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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Pulmonary Function Test

Published on Mon Dec 31, 2012

  Question: How is interpretation of a pulmonary function test for a patient with suspected COPD coded when the results are abnormal? What about normal results?

Indiana Subscriber  
Answer: Under Medicare ICD-9 coding rules effective Jan. 1, 2002, the pulmonologist must bill for interpretation of this service using the confirmed diagnosis of the test, rather than the diagnosis or symptoms that prompted the test.
 
If abnormal, the pulmonary function test is coded 794.2 (nonspecific abnormal result of pulmonary function studies) or 786.00 (respiratory abnormality, unspecified). The signs and/or symptoms that prompted ordering the test may be reported as additional diagnoses if they are not fully explained or related to the confirmed diagnosis.
 
If the test is normal, code for the signs and symptoms that initially prompted the test.  
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