How To Use CPT Code 90744

CPT 90744 refers to the pediatric/adolescent dosage of the hepatitis B vaccine, administered intramuscularly in a 3-dose schedule. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes, and examples of CPT 90744.

1. What is CPT 90744?

CPT 90744 is a medical billing code used to represent the pediatric/adolescent dosage of the hepatitis B vaccine. This vaccine is administered intramuscularly and follows a 3-dose schedule. The purpose of this vaccine is to protect against the liver disease hepatitis B, which is caused by the hepatitis B virus (HBV). This code is specifically used for the vaccine product, while a separate code is used for the vaccine administration.

2. 90744 CPT code description

The official description of CPT code 90744 is: “Hepatitis B vaccine (HepB), pediatric/adolescent dosage, 3 dose schedule, for intramuscular use.”

3. Procedure

The 90744 procedure involves the following steps:

1. Assessment of the patient’s eligibility for the pediatric/adolescent hepatitis B vaccine.
2. Preparation of the vaccine for intramuscular administration.
3. Administration of the vaccine into the patient’s muscle, typically in the deltoid or anterolateral thigh region.
4. Monitoring the patient for any adverse reactions or side effects.
5. Documentation of the vaccine administration, including the date, dosage, and site of injection.
6. Scheduling of the subsequent doses in the 3-dose schedule, typically at 1-2 months and 6-18 months after the first dose.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT code 90744 services are typically children and adolescents who have not yet been vaccinated against hepatitis B. This includes:

• Infants born to hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg)-positive mothers.
• Infants born to mothers with unknown HBsAg status.
• Children and adolescents who have not completed the hepatitis B vaccination series.
• Children and adolescents who are at an increased risk of hepatitis B infection, such as those with chronic liver disease, HIV infection, or other immunocompromising conditions.

5. When to use CPT code 90744

It is appropriate to bill the 90744 CPT code when a pediatric or adolescent patient receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine as part of the 3-dose schedule. This code should be used for the vaccine product, while a separate code should be used for the vaccine administration.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 90744, the following information should be documented:

• Patient’s age and eligibility for the pediatric/adolescent hepatitis B vaccine.
• Date of vaccine administration.
• Dosage of the vaccine administered.
• Site of injection (e.g., deltoid or anterolateral thigh).
• Manufacturer, lot number, and expiration date of the vaccine.
• Name, title, and signature of the healthcare provider administering the vaccine.
• Any adverse reactions or side effects experienced by the patient.

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 90744, it is important to follow the appropriate guidelines and rules. These include:

• Using a separate code for the vaccine administration.
• Ensuring that the patient meets the eligibility criteria for the pediatric/adolescent hepatitis B vaccine.
• Documenting all required information to support the claim, as outlined in the documentation requirements section.
• Verifying that the vaccine is administered according to the recommended 3-dose schedule.

8. Historical information

CPT 90744 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1996. The code has undergone the following changes:

• Code Changed on 01-01-2001: Hepatitis B vaccine, pediatric/adolescent dosage, for intramuscular use.
• Code Changed on 01-01-2016: Hepatitis B vaccine, pediatric/adolescent dosage (3 dose schedule), for intramuscular use.

9. Similar codes to CPT 90744

There are several other codes related to hepatitis B vaccines that differentiate from CPT 90744. These include:

• CPT 90746: This code represents the adult dosage of the hepatitis B vaccine, administered intramuscularly in a 3-dose schedule.
• CPT 90747: This code is used for the adult dosage of the hepatitis B vaccine, administered intramuscularly in a 4-dose schedule for patients with renal insufficiency.
• CPT 90748: This code represents the combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine for pediatric/adolescent dosage, administered intramuscularly.
• CPT 90636: This code is used for the combination hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccine for adult dosage, administered intramuscularly.
• CPT 90644: This code represents the meningococcal conjugate vaccine, which is sometimes administered in conjunction with the hepatitis B vaccine.

10. Examples

Here are 10 detailed examples of CPT code 90744 procedures:

1. A 2-month-old infant receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine during a well-child visit.
2. A 12-year-old child with chronic liver disease receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine as part of their vaccination schedule.
3. An 8-year-old child who has not completed the hepatitis B vaccination series receives the first dose of the vaccine.
4. A 15-year-old adolescent with HIV infection receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine to protect against potential infection.
5. A 6-month-old infant born to an HBsAg-positive mother receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine as part of their vaccination schedule.
6. A 10-year-old child who has not been previously vaccinated against hepatitis B receives the first dose of the vaccine during a routine checkup.
7. An 18-year-old adolescent with a history of intravenous drug use receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine to protect against potential infection.
8. A 4-month-old infant born to a mother with unknown HBsAg status receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine as part of their vaccination schedule.
9. A 14-year-old adolescent who has not completed the hepatitis B vaccination series receives the first dose of the vaccine during a school-based vaccination program.
10. A 16-year-old adolescent with a history of sexual exposure to hepatitis B receives the first dose of the hepatitis B vaccine to protect against potential infection.