How To Use CPT Code 90717

CPT 90717 describes the administration of a live vaccine subcutaneously to protect the patient against yellow fever. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 90717?

CPT 90717 can be used to describe the administration of a live vaccine subcutaneously to protect the patient against yellow fever. This code is used when a healthcare provider administers the vaccine to the patient to provide long-term protection against the disease.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 90717 is: ‘Yellow fever vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use.’

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider presents the patient with the options for yellow fever immunization.
2. The provider reviews the risks, benefits, and potential side effects of the vaccine with the patient.
3. Once the patient is appropriately prepped, the provider administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible to receive CPT 90717 are those who require protection against yellow fever. Yellow fever is a virus found in tropical and subtropical areas in South America and Africa, transmitted to humans through infected mosquitoes. The vaccine is administered by a healthcare provider to individuals who may be at risk of exposure to the virus.

5. When to use CPT code 90717

CPT code 90717 should be used when a healthcare provider administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to protect the patient against yellow fever. It is important to use this code when reporting the administration of the vaccine to ensure accurate billing and documentation.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 90717, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The patient’s need for yellow fever immunization
• The administration of the live vaccine subcutaneously
• Date and time of the vaccine administration
• Any relevant information regarding the patient’s response to the vaccine
• Signature of the healthcare provider administering the vaccine

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 90717, ensure that the healthcare provider administers the live vaccine subcutaneously to protect the patient against yellow fever. Follow the specific guidelines provided by Medicare and private insurance companies for reporting the vaccine administration. It is important to include sufficient documentation from the provider explaining the product administered, administration route, and purpose. Some insurance companies may require the use of modifier 25 with the associated evaluation and management (E/M) code.

8. Historical information

CPT 90717 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 1990. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who is planning to travel to a region where yellow fever is prevalent.
2. A nurse administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who will be working in an area with a high risk of yellow fever transmission.
3. A physician administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who is required to have the vaccine for immigration purposes.
4. A travel clinic nurse administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who is planning a trip to a country with a yellow fever outbreak.
5. A healthcare provider administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who is participating in a research study on yellow fever prevention.
6. A pharmacist administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who is receiving other travel-related vaccinations.
7. A healthcare provider administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who has a medical condition that puts them at higher risk for severe complications from yellow fever.
8. A nurse administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who is a healthcare worker in a region with a high risk of yellow fever transmission.
9. A physician administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who is planning to visit family in a country with a history of yellow fever outbreaks.
10. A travel clinic nurse administers the yellow fever vaccine subcutaneously to a patient who is planning a safari trip in a region with a risk of yellow fever transmission.