Respiratory Question for the Week of October 15, 2018

Question:

What codes would be assigned for a six-minute walk test?

Answer:

According to coding guidelines from the American Association of Respiratory Care (AARC), it is appropriate to use the following code:

94618

Pulmonary stress testing; simple (e.g., 6-minute walk test), including measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed.

AARC says the code is appropriate to evaluate distance, dyspnea, oxyhemoglobin desaturation, and heart rate. Heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation, and liter flow of supplemental oxygen are to be reported at rest, during exercise, and during recovery. Physician analysis of data and interpretation of the test are procedurally inclusive components of this code.

To report exercise testing use:

94617

Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and post-spirometry, electrocardiographic recording(s), and pulse oximetry.

Fee schedules, relative value units, conversion factors and/or related components are not assigned by the AMA, are not part of CPT, and the AMA is not recommending their use. The AMA does not directly or indirectly practice medicine or dispense medical services. The AMA assumes no liability for data contained or not contained herein.

CPT is a registered trademark of the American Medical Association.

Respiratory Question for the Week of October 15, 2018

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