CPT Code 90393 | Description & Clinical Information

CPT 90393 describes the administration of Vaccine Immune Globulin (VIg), which is a plasma-derived antibody obtained from individuals who have received the smallpox vaccine multiple times, and is used to prevent and enhance immunity against smallpox.

Official Description

The CPT book defines CPT code 90393 as: “Vaccinia immune globulin, human, for intramuscular use”.

Clinical Information

The procedure described by CPT code 90393 involves the administration of a carefully measured dose of vaccine immune globulin (VIg) to a patient. VIg is a type of treatment that contains antibodies to certain viruses and is used to provide short-term immunity against various viral infections, including smallpox caused by the vaccinia virus.

Before administering the injection, the healthcare provider inspects the injection site to ensure it is clean and ready for the procedure. This is crucial to help prevent infections that may occur as a result of administering the injection. Once satisfied that the injection site is clean, the provider proceeds to administer the injection using an appropriately sized needle that is selected depending on the muscle being targeted.

The injection is typically administered slowly into the muscle, which can be the arm or the back, depending on the preference of the healthcare provider. The goal of the injection is to provide the desired pharmacological action that enables the body to prevent and boost immunity against the vaccinia virus.

Since smallpox has been by and large eradicated, the procedure is not as commonly performed as before. However, it still plays an essential role in protecting people living or traveling to regions where smallpox outbreaks may occur. The VIg injection works by augmenting the natural immune system of the patient, providing them with a quick and reliable way to develop an immune response to the virus.

Overall, the CPT code 90393 procedure serves as an essential medical procedure that plays a critical role in protecting patients from contracting and spreading smallpox, especially those who are at high risk of contracting the disease. It remains a key part of the medical treatment arsenal and its importance in the fight against smallpox cannot be overstated.

Return to all the CPT codes for immune globulins, serum or recombinant products.