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Code deleted, to report see 94799

Official Description

Continuous measurement of wheeze rate during treatment assessment or during sleep for documentation of nocturnal wheeze and cough for diagnostic evaluation 3 to 24 hours, with interpretation and report

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 0244T refers to the continuous measurement of wheeze rate, which is a critical procedure in the assessment and management of respiratory conditions, particularly asthma. This procedure involves the use of specialized acoustic sensors that are strategically placed on the patient’s body to monitor and document wheezing sounds over a specified duration, ranging from 3 to 24 hours. The placement of one sensor on the neck, adjacent to the trachea, and another on the upper right side of the chest allows for effective tracking of breathing sounds, enabling the detection of wheezing. Additionally, a respiration belt is utilized, which encircles the lower ribs to gather comprehensive data regarding the patient's respiratory rate, the phases of breathing, and the ratio of inspiration to expiration. The collected data is transmitted to a sensor interface unit connected to a computer, which records and analyzes the information for further evaluation. This continuous monitoring is particularly beneficial for documenting nocturnal wheeze and cough, providing valuable insights for diagnostic evaluation. Following the data collection, a physician interprets the findings and generates a report, which is essential for guiding treatment decisions and assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The continuous measurement of wheeze rate using CPT® Code 0244T is indicated for the following conditions:

  • Asthma Management This procedure is primarily utilized in the management of asthma, particularly to assess the severity and frequency of wheezing episodes.
  • Nocturnal Wheeze It is specifically indicated for documenting nocturnal wheeze and cough, which can be critical for understanding the patient's condition during sleep.
  • Treatment Assessment Continuous measurement is also indicated during treatment assessments to evaluate the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions.

2. Procedure

The procedure for continuous measurement of wheeze rate involves several key steps:

  • Step 1: Sensor Placement Two acoustic sensors are placed on the patient. One sensor is positioned on the neck, just to the right of the trachea, while the other is placed on the upper right side of the chest at the midclavicular line over the second intercostal space. This strategic placement is essential for accurately capturing the sounds associated with wheezing.
  • Step 2: Application of the Respiration Belt A respiration belt is then applied around the lower ribs of the patient. This belt is crucial as it provides additional data regarding the respiratory rate, the phases of breathing, and the ratio of inspiration to expiration, which are important metrics in evaluating respiratory function.
  • Step 3: Data Connection The cables from the sensors and the respiration belt are connected to a sensor interface unit. This unit is responsible for transmitting the data to a computer system that will record and analyze the information collected during the monitoring period.
  • Step 4: Continuous Monitoring The continuous measurement of wheeze rate is conducted over a period of 3 to 24 hours. During this time, the system records and analyzes the wheezing sounds and respiratory data, providing a comprehensive overview of the patient's respiratory status.
  • Step 5: Data Interpretation After the monitoring period, the physician reviews the recorded data. This review is critical for understanding the patient's condition and involves generating a written interpretation of the findings, which will inform further diagnostic evaluation and treatment planning.

3. Post-Procedure

Post-procedure care following the continuous measurement of wheeze rate typically involves the physician discussing the results with the patient. The interpretation of the data collected will guide any necessary adjustments to the patient's treatment plan. Additionally, the physician may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor the patient's condition and assess the effectiveness of any changes made to their management strategy. It is important for the patient to report any new or worsening symptoms during this follow-up period to ensure optimal care and management of their respiratory health.

Short Descr CONT MSR BRONCHODIL WHEEZE
Medium Descr CONT MEAS WHEEZE RATE BRONCHODIL SLEEP 3-24 HRS
Long Descr Continuous measurement of wheeze rate during treatment assessment or during sleep for documentation of nocturnal wheeze and cough for diagnostic evaluation 3 to 24 hours, with interpretation and report
Status Code Carriers Price the Code
Global Days YYY - Carrier Determines Whether Global Concept Applies
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 1 - Diagnostic Tests for Radiology Services
Multiple Procedures (51) 0 - No payment adjustment rules for multiple procedures apply.
Bilateral Surgery (50) 0 - 150% payment adjustment for bilateral procedures does NOT apply.
Physician Supervisions 09 - Concept does not apply.
Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) 0 - Payment restriction for assistants at surgery applies to this procedure...
Co-Surgeons (62) 0 - Co-surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Team Surgery (66) 0 - Team surgeons not permitted for this procedure.
Diagnostic Imaging Family 99 - Concept Does Not Apply
APC Status Indicator Procedure or Service, Not Discounted when Multiple
Type of Service (TOS) 9 - Other Medical Items or Services
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) none
MUE Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification 40 - Other diagnostic procedures of respiratory tract and mediastinum
Date
Action
Notes
2016-01-01 Deleted Code deleted, to report see 94799
2011-01-01 Added Added
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Description
Code
Description
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