Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: Our local carrier requires us to use 95024 for our skin testing. We have been using 95027. I am under the impression that 95027 more accurately describes what we are doing. Which is the correct way to code for this type of allergy testing? Colorado Subscriber Answer: Code 95027 (Intracutaneous [intradermal] tests, sequential and incremental, with allergenic extracts for airborne allergens, immediate type reaction, specify number of tests) is revised for 2003. This was done to make it more consistent with the other intradermal allergy code. The main differences between 95024 (Intracutaneous [intradermal] tests with allergenic extracts, immediate type reaction, specify number of tests) and 95027 are:
95027 involves airborne allergens
testing is described as sequential and incremental, in that the testing of airborne allergen uses various dilutional strengths. If the procedure you are performing meets these qualifications, you should report this code. If your insurer maintains that you should use 95024 for airborne allergen testing, obtain a copy of the policy as supportive documentation of why you used 95024 when billing for a procedure more appropriately described by 95027. Advice for You Be the Coder and Reader Questions was provided by Carol Pohlig, BSN, RN, CPC, senior coding and education specialist at the University of Pennsylvania department of medicine in Philadelphia.