Ambulatory Coding & Payment Report
Reader Question: Asthma Education
Question: Is there a CPT code or a way to charge for asthma education? The process takes about an hour. This education requires a respiratory therapist, review of assessment and plan with patient, teaching the patient how to use a metered-dose inhaler with spacer, a peak flow meter, and showing the patient a videotape.
Michigan Subscriber
Answer: You can charge for this only with 99211 (office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, that may not require the presence of a physician. Usually, the presenting problem[s] are minimal. Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing or supervising these services). Unless your therapist is also a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant, it would be incorrect to code a higher level of service.
Michigan Subscriber
Answer: You can charge for this only with 99211 (office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of an established patient, that may not require the presence of a physician. Usually, the presenting problem[s] are minimal. Typically, 5 minutes are spent performing or supervising these services). Unless your therapist is also a nurse practitioner or physicians assistant, it would be incorrect to code a higher level of service.
-- Answers to Reader Questions and You Be the Expert were provided by John Turner, MD, FACEP, medical director for coding and documentation at TeamHealth Inc. of Knoxville, Tenn.; and Terry A. Fletcher, BS, CPC, CCS-P, healthcare coding consultant, McVey Associates Medical Coding Seminars, California.
- Published on 2001-08-01
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