Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: If the respiratory therapist evaluates an inpatient, is there a procedure code that we can bill such as teaching inhalation techniques, and fitting of C-Pap mask?

Colorado Subscriber

Answer: Respiratory therapy services for inpatients are billed by the hospital. The services of a respiratory therapist are covered within the hospital’s facility fees, or what the physician bills for. You may not therefore create another claim for respiratory therapists’ services. Therefore, you cannot generate professional service fees for it.