How to Code Nebulizer TreatmentsIn Feburary 2016 08,

In Feburary 2016 08,
Begin inhalation nebulizer treatment in the office and have a trained assistant monitor the patient's status closely. Code this as 94640 (pressurized or non-pressured inhalation treatment for acute airway obstruction or for sputum induction).
Re-evaluate the patient for a clear response to the inhalation treatment, and if there is no improvement, administer a second treatment. Some physicians check a pre- and post-test oxygen level or use a machine called a spirometer to measure the flow of air in the lungs. Coding for these will not receive any reimbursement. If a second treatment is required, document this and the time required to complete all treatments. Code this as 94664-76 for each subsequent treatment.
Counsel the patient after the treatment and code it as 94664-59. Document whether the patient has been using his medication correctly and demonstrate the proper technique. Take note of the time from beginning to end and document time spent face-to-face with the physician.
Diagnose the patient's disease status using the appropriate hierarchical condition code. Review the chest X-rays for evidence of emphysema and code this as 493. Look at the pulmonary function tests. If there is asthma and the patient is having wheezing, code 492.02. Patients unresponsive to treatment have status asthmaticus and require code 493.0.
In Feburary 2016 08,