How To Use CPT Code 94618

CPT 94618 describes the procedure for pulmonary stress testing, which is used to evaluate lung function and diagnose certain lung disorders. This article will cover the description, official description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, similar codes and billing examples.

1. What is CPT Code 94618?

CPT 94618 can be used to describe the procedure for pulmonary stress testing, a noninvasive diagnostic test performed to assess lung function and evaluate patients with symptoms such as shortness of breath or wheezing during exercise. This test measures physiological parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation during rest and exercise, and assesses the impact of exercise on lung volumes. The provider may have the patient perform a six-minute walk test or other form of exercise to evaluate their exercise ability, especially in patients with moderate to advanced lung diseases.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 94618 is: ‘Pulmonary stress testing (eg, 6-minute walk test), including measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider assesses the patient’s lung function and determines the need for pulmonary stress testing.
2. A six-minute walk test or other form of exercise is selected to evaluate the patient’s exercise ability.
3. The provider measures physiological parameters such as heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation during rest and exercise.
4. The patient performs the exercise, such as walking as fast as possible for six minutes, while the provider monitors their vital signs and watches for signs of dyspnea.
5. If the patient is receiving oxygen during the exercise, the provider may adjust the oxygen flow based on oxygen saturation data.

4. Qualifying circumstances

Patients eligible for CPT 94618 are those who require pulmonary assessment and evaluation of lung diseases. This test is particularly useful for patients with symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing during exercise. The provider must measure heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration during the test.

5. When to use CPT code 94618

CPT code 94618 should be used when performing pulmonary stress testing, specifically the six-minute walk test or similar exercise tests, to evaluate lung function and diagnose certain lung disorders. This code is appropriate when the provider measures heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration during the test.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 94618, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s symptoms and the need for pulmonary stress testing
• Specific exercise test performed, such as the six-minute walk test
• Date and duration of the test
• Physiological parameters measured, including heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration
• Any adjustments made to oxygen flow during the test

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 94618, ensure that the provider performs pulmonary stress testing, including the measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration. This code should not be reported with other exercise tests for bronchospasm. It is important to consider the location of the testing, as there may be different coding requirements for the professional and technical components of the test.

8. Historical information

CPT 94618 was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2018. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoing a six-minute walk test to assess their exercise ability and evaluate their lung function.
2. A patient with asthma performing an exercise test to determine if they experience bronchospasm during physical activity.
3. A patient with interstitial lung disease undergoing pulmonary stress testing to evaluate their lung function and assess the impact of exercise on their respiratory system.
4. A patient with suspected exercise-induced bronchoconstriction undergoing a six-minute walk test to diagnose their condition and determine appropriate treatment.
5. A patient with shortness of breath during exercise undergoing pulmonary stress testing to identify the cause of their symptoms and guide treatment decisions.
6. A patient with suspected pulmonary hypertension performing an exercise test to assess their exercise capacity and evaluate their cardiovascular and respiratory function.
7. A patient with cystic fibrosis undergoing a six-minute walk test to monitor their disease progression and assess their exercise tolerance.
8. A patient with suspected exercise-induced asthma performing an exercise test to confirm the diagnosis and guide treatment decisions.
9. A patient with lung cancer undergoing pulmonary stress testing to evaluate their lung function and assess their fitness for surgery or other treatments.
10. A patient with unexplained dyspnea during exercise undergoing a six-minute walk test to identify the cause of their symptoms and guide further diagnostic investigations.