How To Use CPT Code 94610

CPT 94610 describes the administration of intrapulmonary surfactant by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional through an endotracheal tube. 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 94610?

CPT 94610 can be used to describe the administration of intrapulmonary surfactant by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional through an endotracheal tube. This procedure is performed to treat conditions such as cystic fibrosis.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 94610 is: ‘Intrapulmonary surfactant administration by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional through an endotracheal tube.’

3. Procedure

1. The physician or qualified healthcare professional administers surfactant into the lungs through an endotracheal tube.
2. The procedure is performed to reduce the surface tension of the alveoli in the lungs, allowing them to expand and the patient to breathe.
3. For newborns, the provider places the infant on their left side and administers half of the surfactant dose through the endotracheal tube. The procedure is then repeated on the right side.
4. To ensure proper ventilation, the provider may use a bag connected to an oxygen source to deliver oxygen to the patient’s lungs.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 94610 is performed on patients with conditions that require the administration of surfactant to improve breathing. This procedure is typically performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional. The patient must have an endotracheal tube in place, and at least one lung must be ventilated during the treatment.

5. When to use CPT code 94610

CPT code 94610 should be used when a physician or other qualified healthcare professional administers intrapulmonary surfactant through an endotracheal tube. This code should be reported once per dosing episode.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 94610, the healthcare professional must document the following information:

• Patient’s condition necessitating the administration of surfactant
• Date and time of the procedure
• Details of the procedure, including the amount of surfactant administered and the technique used
• Any complications or adverse reactions
• Signature of the physician or qualified healthcare professional performing the procedure

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 94610, ensure that the procedure is performed by a physician or other qualified healthcare professional through an endotracheal tube. Do not report CPT 94610 in conjunction with codes 99468-99472. For endotracheal intubation, use code 31500. This code should be reported once per dosing episode.

8. Historical information

CPT 94610 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2007. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A physician administering intrapulmonary surfactant through an endotracheal tube to a patient with cystic fibrosis.
2. A qualified healthcare professional performing the procedure to improve breathing in a patient with respiratory distress syndrome.
3. A physician administering surfactant to a premature infant with a breathing tube to prevent respiratory distress syndrome.
4. A healthcare professional administering surfactant to a patient with acquired lung disease to improve lung function.
5. A physician performing the procedure to treat a patient with surfactant deficiency.
6. A qualified healthcare professional administering surfactant to a patient with alveolar collapse.
7. A physician performing the procedure to improve lung compliance in a patient with lung fibrosis.
8. A healthcare professional administering surfactant to a patient with acute respiratory distress syndrome.
9. A physician performing the procedure to treat a patient with surfactant dysfunction.
10. A qualified healthcare professional administering surfactant to a patient with lung injury.