Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: What is the correct way to code CPAP versus autopap? Should I report them differently?

North Dakota Subscriber

Answer: Report 94660 (Continuous positive airway pressure ventilation [CPAP], initiation and management), regardless of the type of device.

Vocab: An autopap device is one of a number of devices that can be used to deliver nocturnal CPAP to the patient. The autopap autotitrates the CPAP level needed to overcome the upper airway obstruction prevalent in obstructive sleep apnea. On the other hand, CPAP devices deliver only set pressures to the patient.

Don't miss: If your practice provides DME services, also include HCPCS code E0601 (Continuous airway pressure [CPAP] device) for either the fixed or autotitration CPAP devices.

-- The answers to the Reader Questions and You Be the Coder were provided and reviewed by Alan L. Plummer, MD, professor of medicine in the division of pulmonary, allergy, and critical care at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta; and Carol Pohlig, BSN, RN, CPC, ASC, senior coding and education specialist at the University of Pennsylvania department of medicine in Philadelphia.