Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: A patient underwent a spirometry test while in the hospital, and the pulmonologist in our practice interpreted the results.

How do I report the pulmonologist’s reading and interpretation of the spirometry test results?

Nebraska Subscriber

Answer: You’ll report 94010 (Spirometry, including graphic record, total and timed vital capacity, expiratory flow rate measurement(s), with or without maximal voluntary ventilation) appended with modifier 26 (Professional component) — so 94010-26.

Modifier 26, or the professional component, is also known as a physician’s service. The component typically includes technical supervision, a written report, and interpretation of the test’s results. For payers that follow Medicare rules, you can check the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule to confirm whether a code accepts modifier 26.

Since the pulmonologist in your practice only read and interpreted the spirometry results, you’ll append 94010 with the professional component modifier.