When reporting inhaler service, you should remember the type of device the provider is using, but shouldn’t stop with just that. Documentation requirements and qualifying modifiers are just as important when coding for inhaler services.

When you’re confused why some payers would deny reimbursement for certain inhaler claims, the following ideas could guide you to a better understanding of how inhaler service codes work out.

94664 Is Your Ticket to Diskus Demo Pay

The Advair Diskus is an “aerosol generator.” If the nurse/medical assistant taught someone to use an Advair Diskus — or any other diskus — you should report 94664 (Demonstration and/or evaluation of patient utilization of an aerosol generator, nebulizer, metered dose inhaler or IPPB device).

For example, a pulmonologist starts a patient with asthma (493.00, Extrinsic asthma; unspecified or 493.20, Chronic obstructive asthma; unspecified) on Advair. A nurse then teaches the patient how to use the Diskus. As per CPT guidelines, you should report 99201-99215 for the office visit and 94664 without a modifier, says Alan L. Plummer, MD, professor of medicine, Division of Pulmonary, Allergy, and Critical Care at Emory University School of Medicine in Atlanta.

In addition, CMS transmittal R954CP also indicates that modifier 25 (Significant, separately identifiable E/M service by the same physician on the same day of the procedure or other service) applies only to E/M services performed with procedures that carry a global fee, which 94664 does not have.

Nonetheless, many payers will only pay for the service if you append modifier 25 to the visit code. It’s always best to check with your major insurers’ policy first.

Bundle Dose in Teaching Session

The patient may administer medication dose during the teaching session. Both services (treatment + teaching) are bundled into one CPT: 94640 (Pressurized or nonpressurized inhalation treatment for acute...