function laboratory practice is to use the CPT code 94620 (simple exercise test) for the 6-minute walk test. To use this CPT code, however, it would probably be prudent to measure 1 or 2 cardiorespiratory variables (eg, heart rate, pulse oximetry) in addition to noting the exercise tolerance.
What is procedure code 94621? CPT code 94621 Cardiopulmonary exercise testing, including measurements of minute ventilation, CO2 production, O2 uptake, and electrocardiographic recordings has been reworded to describe the procedure of cardiopulmonary exercise testing more clearly.
94617 and 94618As of January 2018, Current Procedural Terminology code 94620 (simple pulmonary stress test) has been deleted and replaced by two new codes, 94617 and 94618. Code 94617 includes exercise test for bronchospasm including pre- and postspirometry, ECG recordings, and pulse oximetry.
The walk test should be billed with CPT code 94618, “Pulmonary stress testing (e.g., six-minute walk test), including measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed.”
R94. 2 is a billable/specific ICD-10-CM code that can be used to indicate a diagnosis for reimbursement purposes. The 2022 edition of ICD-10-CM R94. 2 became effective on October 1, 2021.
CPT® 94619 in section: Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and post-spirometry and pulse oximetry.
In healthy subjects, the 6-min walk distance (6MWD) ranges from 400 to 700 m, the main predictor variables being gender, age and height. 12, 13, 14 However, the few published studies have all used different methods, and the predicted distances differ by up to 30%.
During this test, you walk at your normal pace for six minutes. This test can be used to monitor your response to treatments for heart, lung and other health problems. This test is commonly used for people with pulmonary hypertension, interstitial lung disease, pre-lung transplant evaluation or COPD.
Pulmonary Function Testing codes: CPT codes relative to Medicare's standards of reasonable and necessary care are: 94070, 94200, 94640, 94726, 94727 and 94729.
The test was performed using a body plethysmograph. Report 94726 for the volume, capacity, airway resistance, and compliance measurements (you may report 94750 separately for a compliance study only if there is a separate physician order for the test). Lung volumes and capacities below 79 percent of predicted values.
The pulmonary function test CPT code for spirometry is 94010. A graphic record of the spirometry and the expiratory flow rate measurements should be documented in detail along with the total timed vital capacity of the patient.
What causes a bronchospasm? Anytime your airways are irritated or swollen, it can cause bronchospasm. Asthma is the most common cause of bronchospasm, but there are several other things that can result in the condition, including: Bacterial, viral or fungal infections of the lungs or airways.
CPT® Code 94761 in section: Noninvasive ear or pulse oximetry for oxygen saturation.
CPT code 94640 describes treatment of acute airway obstruction with inhaled medication and/or the use of an inhalation treatment to induce sputum for diagnostic purposes.
CPT 94617, 94618 and 94621 are split-billable and must be billed with modifier TC when billing only for the technical component, and modifier 26 when billing only for the professional component. When billing for both the technical and professional component, no modifier is required.››
Pulmonary Function Testing codes: CPT codes relative to Medicare's standards of reasonable and necessary care are: 94070, 94200, 94640, 94726, 94727 and 94729.
Calculating Gait Speed - total distance/time. For example: if you did a 10-meter gait speed test and it took you 7 seconds, the equation would like: 10 meters / 7 seconds = 1.4 meters per second.
The use of a treadmill to determine the 6MWD might save space and allow constant monitoring during the exercise, but the use of a treadmill for 6-minute walk testing is not recommended. Patients are unable to pace themselves on a treadmill.
It is expected that procedure code 94070 will only be performed to make an initial diagnosis of asthma.
There are several coding options. The 94010 code describes “spirometry” and is grouped in APC 0367. The flow-volume procedure code 94375 could also be used, but it is in the same Medicare APC 0367 and thus pays the same technical fee (professional fees may be different in some regions). An argument could be made that the flow-volume curve gives information that the traditional volume-time curve does not. However, Medicare still considers the 2 procedures bundled, and one code edits out the other. The passive vital capacity procedure code 94150 should not be used for spirometry, because Medicare has assigned a $0 payment for that code. More problematic is the maximum voluntary ventilation.
It measures the amount of air breathe in and out over a specified amount of time. If Flow Volume Loop (FVL) is displayed without bronchodilator administration, use CPT
A qualified physician for this service/procedure is defined as follows: A) Physician is properly enrolled in Medicare. B) Training and expertise must have been acquired within the framework of an accredited residency and/or fellowship program in the applicable specialty/subspecialty in the United States or must reflect equivalent education, training, and expertise endorsed by an academic institution in the United States and/or by the applicable specialty/subspecialty society in the United States.
The use of pulmonary diagnostic function testing as part of the routine clinical exam is not a covered benefit. In instances where studies are recommended as part of a preoperative evaluation in a patient with no active pulmonary symptoms, the record must document the rationale for the study (i.e. long history of smoking, asbestos exposure, exposure to toxic drugs, etc). Studies performed in the absence of such documentation will be considered not reasonable and medically necessary.
Pulmonary function studies 94010, 94060, 94070, and 94375 must be: (1) performed by a qualified physician, or (2) performed under the general supervision of a qualified physician by a technologist (i.e. medical assistant, nurse) who has been trained to perform these tests by a qualified physician.
Patient initiated spirometry (94014, 94015 and 94016) are non covered and will not be reimbursed.
A six-minute walk test that evaluates distance, dyspnea, oxyhemoglobin desaturation and heart rate can be reported with CPT 94620 according to the AMA July 2005 CPT Assistant. Spirometry is not required but the heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen saturation are to be be reported at rest, during exercise, and during recovery. The CPT Assistant points out that a six minute walk test with no objective ventilatory assessments should should be reported with CPT 94761, noninvasive ear or poulse oximetry for oxygen saturation; multiple determinatios (eg, durging exercise).
The procedure that you are actually performing, as evidenced by the records you provided to us, is CPT 94761--pulse oximetry for oxygen saturation, multiple determinations (e.g., during exercise). In order to report CPT 94620, pre and post spirometry as well as oximetry must be performed. In the records provided, I see no evidence of spirometry testing. Heart rate, blood pressure and pulse oximetry are the only parameters measured.