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Pulmonology Coding Alert

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Code for PFTs With Signs and Symptoms

Published on Thu May 28, 2009

Question: Im wondering if other offices report pulmonary function tests (PFTs) based on why the patient presents for the tests, rather than waiting for the final report to bill the global service. Our previous coder never reported chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) as a diagnosis even though this is the most likely reason why the patient was taking the breathing test in the first place. Id like to expedite the billing based on the reason why we sent the patient for the PFT rather than waiting for the dictation. Is this is an acceptable practice? Florida Subscriber Answer: Many pulmonary function labs bill for studies on the day they are performed and it is common not to confirm a precise pulmonary diagnosis before submitting the bills. Often, coders report ICD-9 codes for symptoms or signs, such as shortness of breath (786.05), wheezing (786.07), cough (786.2), and abnormal chest sounds (786.7), [...]
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