Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: Our pulmonologist performed a cold air challenge along with multiple spirometric measurements to evaluate a patient for asthma. What is the correct way to report this pulmonary function test? Also, let me know whether the spirometry measurements can be reported separately or not?Kentucky SubscriberAnswer: The right way of reporting a cold air challenge is by using 94070 (Bronchospasm provocation evaluation, multiple spirometric determinations as in 94010, with administered agents [e.g., antigen[s], cold air, methacholine]). As you see in the descriptor, the test makes use of multiple spirometric measurements to assess the effects of the cold air challenge. Since the descriptor clearly includes the spirometric measurements, you cannot report the spirometry separately with 94010 (Spirometry, including graphic record, total and timed vital capacity, expiratory flow rate measurement[s], with or without maximal voluntary ventilation).Although the spirometric measurements are bundled into the codes for the cold air challenge test, you can report [...]