Respiratory Question for the Week of October 1, 2018

Question:

Does Medicare have rules about use of code 94750–pulmonary compliance study (e.g., plethysmography, volume and pressure measurements)?

Answer:

Pulmonary compliance studies are more invasive than other pulmonary function tests (PFTs) because the patient is required to swallow an esophageal balloon. Compliance studies are performed only when all other PFTs give equivocal results or the results require confirmation by additional data. As an assessment of small airways’ dysfunction, the dynamic pulmonary compliance procedures measure the elastic recoil or stiffness of the lungs. Static compliance studies aid in the diagnosis of emphysema, interstitial lung disease, and pulmonary fibrosis. Check with your Part A Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for frequency limits with which the procedure will be reimbursed. Frequency limits may vary based on the clinical diagnosis provided.

This question was answered in the 2018 edition of our Coding Essentials for RT/Pulmonary Function. For more hot topics relating to respiratory therapy services, please view our store, or call us at 1.800.252.1578 ext. 2.