How To Use CPT Code 94644

CPT 94644 describes the continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for acute airway obstruction for up to one hour. 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 94644?

CPT 94644 can be used to describe the continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for acute airway obstruction for up to one hour. This code is used when a provider administers inhalation aerosol treatment to a patient to treat acute airway obstruction. The treatment can be performed using a nebulizer or a hand-held nebulized aerosol device, such as puffers.

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 94644 is: ‘Continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for acute airway obstruction; first hour.’

3. Procedure

1. The provider discusses the procedure with the patient, parent, or guardian, explaining what will occur during continuous inhalation and the associated risks and benefits.
2. The provider or nonphysician practitioner performs the treatment using a nebulizer or a hand-held nebulized aerosol device.
3. After completing the treatment, the provider discusses next steps with the patient or their parent or guardian.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT 94644 is used for patients with acute airway obstruction, such as those with asthma, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). The treatment is typically performed by a provider or nonphysician practitioner. It is important to note that this code should not be reported for patients who routinely use the devices for treatments at home, unless there are unusual circumstances.

5. When to use CPT code 94644

CPT code 94644 should be used when a provider administers continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for up to one hour to a patient with acute airway obstruction. It is important to ensure that the patient does not routinely use the devices for treatments at home, unless there are exceptional circumstances.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT 94644, the provider must document the following information:

• Patient’s diagnosis and the need for continuous inhalation treatment
• Specific details of the treatment performed, including the type of device used
• Date and duration of the treatment
• Discussion of the procedure with the patient, parent, or guardian
• Comments about the patient’s ability to correctly use the delivery device, if applicable

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT 94644, ensure that the treatment is performed for up to one hour and that the documentation supports the medical necessity of the procedure. It is important to note that Medicare and many private payers do not allow reporting of CPT code 94640 in addition to 94644, unless there are specific circumstances. Therefore, it is crucial to review the billing guidelines of the specific payer to ensure accurate reporting.

8. Historical information

CPT 94644 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 provider administers continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for up to one hour to a patient with acute asthma exacerbation.
2. A nonphysician practitioner performs inhalation therapy using a nebulizer for a patient with acute bronchitis.
3. A provider administers continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for up to one hour to a patient with acute COPD exacerbation.
4. A provider discusses the procedure with a patient’s parent and performs inhalation therapy using a hand-held nebulized aerosol device for a child with acute airway obstruction.
5. A provider administers continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for up to one hour to a patient experiencing wheezing due to an acute respiratory condition.
6. A nonphysician practitioner performs inhalation therapy using a nebulizer for a patient with acute bronchospasm.
7. A provider administers continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for up to one hour to a patient with acute respiratory distress.
8. A provider discusses the procedure with a patient and performs inhalation therapy using a hand-held nebulized aerosol device for a patient with acute asthma symptoms.
9. A provider administers continuous inhalation treatment with aerosol medication for up to one hour to a patient with acute exacerbation of chronic bronchitis.
10. A nonphysician practitioner performs inhalation therapy using a nebulizer for a patient with acute respiratory failure.