Pulmonology Coding Alert

Question: A pulmonologist performed a pulmonary function test (PFT) involving spirometry without and with bronchodilation, measurement of diffusing capacity of the lungs for carbon monoxide (DLCO), and a lung volume study. What codes do I need to assign to ensure each component is reported?

Oregon Subscriber

Answer: You will assign 94060 (Bronchodilation responsiveness, spirometry as in 94010, pre- and post-bronchodilator administration) and +94729 (Diffusing capacity (eg, carbon monoxide, membrane) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)) for the encounter you described.

According to the Pulmonary Diagnostic Testing, Rehabilitation, and Therapies guidelines before the Pulmonary CPT^® codes, you’ll report 94060 when spirometry is performed before and after the administration of a bronchodilator. The guidelines also indicate that 94060 includes maximal breathing capacity, so you shouldn’t report 94200 (Maximum breathing capacity, maximal voluntary ventilation).

You’ll assign add-on code +94729 to report the DLCO measurement. Since this is an add-on code, you need to report it with an appropriate primary code for proper reimbursement.