Author Topic: Respiratory Therapy Coding  (Read 5317 times)

melissa

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Respiratory Therapy Coding
« on: October 29, 2014, 03:09:56 PM »
Hello!
I need to find out if coding for RT services such as trach suctioning and cleaning are separately reportable/reimbursable? Currently we are reporting the cleaning with CPT 94799 and the suctioning with 31720. This is for a long term rehabilitation facility closely resembling a SNF. Not vent dependent patients, just trach patients who reside at the facility.Treatments are performed by respiratory therapists PRN.
Thank you in advance!
Melissa

kristin

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Re: Respiratory Therapy Coding
« Reply #1 on: October 29, 2014, 07:20:21 PM »
I know zero about RT coding, but I did find this article that talks about 31720, and what type of trach suctioning it can be used for:

http://respiratory-care-sleep-medicine.advanceweb.com/Article/Coding-Q-And-A-Billing-Catheter-Aspiration-Nasotracheal.aspx

melissa

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Re: Respiratory Therapy Coding
« Reply #2 on: October 30, 2014, 04:13:30 PM »
Thanks, Kristin. I had come across that as well. Lol.

melissa

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Re: Respiratory Therapy Coding
« Reply #3 on: October 30, 2014, 04:17:52 PM »
We are doing endotracheal suctioning, which there is no CPT code for- there are differing opinions on whether to bill using the unlisted code, or if it's just not a billable service and should be considered as a part of what the RT does here, since our patients are long term and often not vent dependent. Our RT's are obviously peeved about this...

kristin

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Re: Respiratory Therapy Coding
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2014, 12:52:51 AM »
Well, the only further reference I found was from Medi-Cal, where they stated that the unlisted code 94799 should not be used for routine respiratory care...is the cleaning and suctioning being done by the therapists considered to be routine? That would be the question, so far as I can see. Not knowing anything about this type of coding, I can't say, but my gut instinct tells me that it is routine, and can't be billed.

Using the 31720 code won't work for endotrach's, based on the article you and I both found.

While I can understand the frustration of the RT's, if it can't be billed, it can't be billed. Have you contacted your major payers to find out what is covered under the 94799 code with them? That might be the next step here.

Medical Billing Forum

Re: Respiratory Therapy Coding
« Reply #4 on: October 31, 2014, 12:52:51 AM »