Use revenue code plus CPT, without HCPCS, to bill albuterol or Duoneb via nebulizer
APCs Insider, October 31, 2008
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Insider!
Q. How should we code and bill for unit doses of albuterol or Duoneb solution provided via nebulizer in our hospital outpatient department under a physician's order? Should we bill without a J code, using a 250 revenue code, because it's inherent to the procedure?
Also, how should we code metered dose inhalers (MDIs) used therapeutically to treat outpatients? We typically treat with the MDI and, if it works, we send it home with the patient. Note: We are not DME certified.
A. The HCPCS codes for medications provided via nebulizer have either status indicator of E or M in Addendum B. Hospital providers cannot report these codes. However, if the specific drug is ordered and documented, providers may bill it under revenue code 250 without a HCPCS code. Report the actual treatment with the appropriate CPT code for the nebulizer treatment. You may report treatment using MDIs with a CPT code if administered by hospital staff.
However, the MDI itself is usually considered a self-administered drug for outpatients or a non-covered take home-drug if you send the remainder of the inhaler home with the patient for administration by either the patient or a family member.
Want to receive articles like this one in your inbox? Subscribe to APCs Insider!
Comments
0 comments on “Use revenue code plus CPT, without HCPCS, to bill albuterol or Duoneb via nebulizer ”
Related Products
-
2011 HCPCS Level II Manual
HCPro is pleased to introduce the 2011 HCPCS Level II Manual. Reserve your copy now and HCPro will ship it later this fall...
-
Nursing and Therapy Documentation in Long-Term Care:
Synchronize resident documentation across multiple disciplines to improve quality of care as well as protect your...
-
Modifier -59 Case Studies: Clarify Common Coding Confusion
Modifier -59 is a perennial problem area for outpatient coders. It shouldn’t be viewed as a way to guarantee payment but...
-
Outpatient Therapy Billing Challenges: Limit the Impact of Reduced Payments
During this 90-minute audio conference, you’ll learn how to adjust your practice to limit financial impact of payment...
-
Coding and Billing for Outpatient Rehab Made Easy:
Take the confusion out of coding and billing for outpatient rehab and ensure you receive accurate reimbursement for the...
Most Popular
- Articles
-
- Jury sides with blood lab technician in New Jersey whistleblower case
- Note from Hugh
- Questions surround when time starts for proposed inpatient presumption
- Q/A: Should we use modifier -Q0 to override edits for ICDs?
- Five tips for an effective hospital patient safety program
- Overnight physicians in ICU show little effect on outcomes
- QAPI is coming: Is your facility preparing for its arrival?
- CMS releases updated MDS 3.0 RAI User's Manual
- Tip: Review codes that are now packaged
- Maine comes in first in hospital safety
- E-mailed
-
- Questions surround when time starts for proposed inpatient presumption
- Jury sides with blood lab technician in New Jersey whistleblower case
- Q/A: Should we use modifier -Q0 to override edits for ICDs?
- Overnight physicians in ICU show little effect on outcomes
- Tip: Review codes that are now packaged
- QAPI is coming: Is your facility preparing for its arrival?
- ACDIS/AHIMA brief provides guidance on query best practices
- Maine comes in first in hospital safety
- Surgical residents disapprove of duty hour restrictions
- Tip: Nursing documentation requirements for observation services
- Searched