Respiratory Question for the Week of November 22, 2021

Question:

We are experiencing some confusion regarding our understanding of “peak flow” and code 94150. Do you have any tips for clarification?

Answer:

Many facilities have this code assigned to line items described as “peak flow.” In the 2001 CPT® Companion, the AMA has stated that there is not a separate listing in CPT for reporting peak flow. The Principles of CPT Coding Manual published by the American Medical Association, in 1999 states, “There is no separate code in CPT for reporting the performance of peak flow rate measurement. When performed, the peak flow rate is an inherent part of the evaluation and management examination and is not separately reported.” If you have defined this code on the chargemaster as peak flow, consider inactivating the line item or remove the CPT code and track the procedure for “statistics only.” The peak flow meter is considered a routine supply that should be bundled into the cost of the procedure.

This question was answered in our Coding Essentials for RT/Pulmonary Function. For more hot topics relating to respiratory services, please visit our store or call us at 1.800.252.1578, ext. 2.