© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 90705 refers to the measles virus vaccine, which is a live vaccine administered subcutaneously. Vaccines, unlike immune globulins that provide short-term, passive immunity, are designed to elicit an active immune response. This is achieved by introducing altered versions of specific viruses or bacteria into the body, prompting the immune system to produce its own antibodies. The primary goal of vaccination is to establish long-term immunity, allowing the body to "remember" how to produce these antibodies upon subsequent exposure to the same pathogen. The measles vaccine specifically contains an attenuated, or weakened, form of the measles virus. This attenuation ensures that while the vaccine can stimulate an immune response and antibody production, it does not possess the virulence necessary to cause the disease itself. The measles vaccine is part of a broader category of live virus vaccines, which also includes those for mumps and rubella. Each of these vaccines is administered subcutaneously, and they are reported using specific CPT® codes. For instance, code 90704 is designated for the mumps vaccine, 90705 for the measles vaccine, and 90706 for the rubella vaccine. Additionally, there are combination vaccines such as the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine, reported under code 90707, and the MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella, and varicella) vaccine, reported under code 90710. It is important to note that these codes specifically report the vaccine product used, rather than the administration or any associated services.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The measles virus vaccine, as represented by CPT® Code 90705, is indicated for the prevention of measles, a highly contagious viral infection. Vaccination is essential for individuals, particularly children, to develop immunity against the measles virus, which can lead to serious complications, including pneumonia, encephalitis, and death. The vaccine is typically administered as part of routine childhood immunizations, often in combination with other vaccines to protect against mumps and rubella as well.
The administration of the measles virus vaccine involves several key procedural steps to ensure proper delivery and effectiveness of the vaccine. First, the healthcare provider prepares the vaccine by checking the expiration date and ensuring that it has been stored correctly. The vaccine is typically supplied in a vial and may require reconstitution with a diluent before administration. Once prepared, the provider selects an appropriate site for subcutaneous injection, commonly the outer aspect of the upper arm or the thigh in infants. The skin at the injection site is cleaned with an antiseptic wipe to minimize the risk of infection. The provider then uses a sterile syringe and needle to draw up the vaccine, ensuring that no air bubbles are present in the syringe. The needle is inserted at a 45-degree angle into the subcutaneous tissue, and the vaccine is injected slowly. After the injection, the provider may apply gentle pressure to the site with a cotton ball or gauze. Finally, the provider documents the administration of the vaccine in the patient's medical record, including the date, vaccine lot number, and site of administration.
After the administration of the measles virus vaccine, patients are typically monitored for a short period to observe for any immediate adverse reactions, such as allergic responses. It is common for patients to experience mild side effects, including soreness at the injection site, low-grade fever, or a mild rash, which usually resolve on their own. Patients are advised to report any unusual or severe reactions to their healthcare provider. Additionally, it is important for patients to receive follow-up vaccinations as recommended in the immunization schedule to ensure full protection against measles and other vaccine-preventable diseases. Documentation of the vaccination should be maintained in the patient's medical records for future reference and to ensure compliance with public health guidelines.
| Short Descr | MEASLES VACCINE SC | Medium Descr | MEASLES VIRUS VACCINE LIVE SUBCUTANEOUS | Long Descr | Measles virus vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use | Status Code | Excluded from Physician Fee Schedule by Regulation | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) | 9 - Not Applicable | Multiple Procedures (51) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Bilateral Surgery (50) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Physician Supervisions | 09 - Concept does not apply. | Assistant Surgeon (80, 82) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Co-Surgeons (62) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Team Surgery (66) | 9 - Concept does not apply. | Diagnostic Imaging Family | 99 - Concept Does Not Apply | APC Status Indicator | Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | O1G - Immunizations/Vaccinations | MUE | Not applicable/unspecified. | CCS Clinical Classification | 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations |
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| 2016-01-01 | Deleted | Deleted |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 2004-01-01 | Changed | Code description changed. |
| Pre-1990 | Added | Code added. |