Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Inhalant Administration

Question: How should I code differences between administration of an aerosol inhalant and administration of a metered-dose inhalant?

New York Subscriber  
Answer: Code 94640 (nonpressurized inhalation treatment for acute airway obstruction) is for either form of administration that is for care of the patient with an acute airway obstruction such as asthma or croup. The physician may order either one to treat an acute broncho-spasm, but because its for the same purpose, use the same procedure code.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more