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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Don't Hold Your Breath Over O2

Published on Thu Aug 14, 2003

Question: Should we bill for both oxygen administration and the oxygen?

South Carolina Subscriber Answer: No CPT code exists for oxygen administration in the office. Therefore, you should include the service in the E/M.

Although Medicare includes HCPCS codes for oxygen-related supplies, it covers these items for home use only. So, you should not charge Medicare for your physician's office use of masks or tubing. When you meet the home-use qualifications for oxygen, Medicare covers these supplies, which you would report as A4620 (Variable concentration mask), A4621 (Tracheostomy mask or collar) or A4616 (Tubing [oxygen], per foot]).

Commercial insurers, however, may reimburse for the supplies with the A codes. Some other private payers may reimburse for the supplies with 99070 (Supplies and materials [except spectacles], provided by the physician over and above those usually included with the office visit or other services rendered [list drugs, trays, supplies, or materials provided]). Consequently, you should ask the carrier for its requirements.
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