A: The use of category III codes allows data collection for these services/procedures. Use of unlisted codes does not offer this. If a category III code is available and describes the procedure performed, it must be reported instead of a category I unlisted code.
Q: Have the telehealth exceptions that CMS made expired for 2022?
A: Not yet, the exceptions are tied to the time period of the public health emergency. As of now, the public health emergency has not expired.
Q: How would a coder report the Pfizer vaccine and administration codes for the 1st dose, 2nd dose and booster?
A: The patient’s case may be coded with 91300 for the vaccine, 0001A for administration of the first dose, 0002A for the second dose and 0004A for the booster dose. Not needing the code for the 3rd dose since that is used for patients over 65 and individuals 18 and over that are immunocompromised and may not have reached full immunization.
Q: If a patient receives a two dose covid vaccine by Pfizer but then gets the J&J vaccine for their booster dose, would the Pfizer booster be coded to coincide with their first two doses or the J&J booster.
A: In this situation the appropriate manufacturer would be used for whichever shot the patient receives. The J&J booster dose would be coded even though Pfizer vaccines were coded previously.
Jennifer Cayce, RHIT, CCS, CCS-P, CPC, AHIMA Approved ICD-10-CM/PCS Trainer
Director of Coding Quality & Compliance
As a Director of Coding Quality & Compliance, Jennifer brings over 20 years of health information management, auditing, and coding experience to Haugen Consulting Group.
During her career, Jennifer has served as an inpatient and outpatient medical coder, lead coder, coding supervisor, auditor, and has developed training materials for multiple areas of HIM. Jennifer was integral in the development of web-based HIM education for coders, providers, clinical documentation improvement specialists, case managers, and patient access professionals.
During her time as a coding supervisor, Jennifer experienced a high success rate when appealing RAC and other external audit findings.
At the Haugen Consulting Group, Jennifer coordinates and leads the facility audit team and provides coding expertise and support to clients.