© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.
The CPT® Code 90716 refers to the Varicella virus vaccine, which is a live vaccine administered subcutaneously. Vaccines, unlike immune globulins that offer short-term, passive immunity, provide active and long-lasting immunity. This is achieved by introducing altered forms of specific viruses or bacteria into the recipient's body, prompting the immune system to respond by producing its own antibodies. The immune system retains a memory of how to produce these antibodies, allowing for a quicker and more effective response upon subsequent exposures to the same pathogen. The Varicella virus vaccine specifically targets the varicella-zoster virus, which is responsible for chickenpox and shingles. The vaccine contains a live, attenuated version of the virus, meaning it has been weakened to the point where it can stimulate an immune response without causing the actual disease. This vaccination is crucial for preventing chickenpox, a highly contagious disease, and shingles, which can occur later in life as a reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus. The administration of this vaccine is essential for public health, as it helps to reduce the incidence of these diseases and their associated complications.
© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.
The Varicella virus vaccine (CPT® Code 90716) is indicated for the prevention of chickenpox (varicella) and shingles (herpes zoster) in individuals who are at risk of contracting these diseases. The vaccine is particularly recommended for children, adolescents, and adults who have not previously had chickenpox or have not been vaccinated against it. Additionally, it is indicated for individuals who may be exposed to the varicella-zoster virus, such as healthcare workers or those traveling to areas where the virus is prevalent.
The administration of the Varicella virus vaccine involves several key procedural steps to ensure proper delivery and effectiveness of the vaccine. First, the healthcare provider prepares the vaccine by reconstituting the lyophilized vaccine with the appropriate diluent, as specified in the manufacturer's instructions. This step is crucial to ensure that the vaccine is in the correct form for administration. Next, the provider selects an appropriate site for subcutaneous injection, typically the outer aspect of the upper arm or the thigh, depending on the age of the patient. The injection site is then cleaned with an antiseptic wipe to minimize the risk of infection. Following this, the provider uses a sterile syringe and needle to draw up the reconstituted vaccine and administers it subcutaneously, ensuring that the needle is inserted at the correct angle to deliver the vaccine into the subcutaneous tissue. After the injection, the provider may apply gentle pressure to the injection site with a cotton ball or gauze to prevent bleeding. Finally, the patient is monitored for a short period to observe for any immediate adverse reactions, and they are provided with information regarding potential side effects and the importance of follow-up vaccinations if required.
After the administration of the Varicella virus vaccine, patients are typically advised to remain in the healthcare setting for a brief observation period to monitor for any immediate adverse reactions, such as allergic responses. Common side effects may include mild soreness at the injection site, fever, or a mild rash, which are generally self-limiting. Patients should be informed about these potential side effects and advised to report any unusual or severe reactions. Additionally, it is important to provide patients with information regarding the need for follow-up vaccinations, as the varicella vaccine may require a second dose for optimal immunity. Patients should also be educated on the importance of maintaining their vaccination records and the significance of informing healthcare providers about their vaccination status in future medical encounters.
| Short Descr | VAR VACCINE LIVE SUBQ | Medium Descr | VAR VACCINE LIVE FOR SUBCUTANEOUS USE | Long Descr | Varicella virus vaccine (VAR), 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 Not Billable to the MAC | Type of Service (TOS) | 1 - Medical Care | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | O1G - Immunizations/Vaccinations | MUE | 1 | CCS Clinical Classification | 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations |
| 59 | Distinct procedural service: under certain circumstances, it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was distinct or independent from other non-e/m services performed on the same day. modifier 59 is used to identify procedures/services, other than e/m services, that are not normally reported together, but are appropriate under the circumstances. documentation must support a different session, different procedure or surgery, different site or organ system, separate incision/excision, separate lesion, or separate injury (or area of injury in extensive injuries) not ordinarily encountered or performed on the same day by the same individual. however, when another already established modifier is appropriate it should be used rather than modifier 59. only if no more descriptive modifier is available, and the use of modifier 59 best explains the circumstances, should modifier 59 be used. note: modifier 59 should not be appended to an e/m service. to report a separate and distinct e/m service with a non-e/m service performed on the same date, see modifier 25. | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GO | Services delivered under an outpatient occupational therapy plan of care | GX | Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy | GY | Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit | GZ | Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary | JG | Drug or biological acquired with 340b drug pricing program discount, reported for informational purposes | JZ | Zero drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient | SL | State supplied vaccine | X1 | Continuous/broad services: for reporting services by clinicians, who provide the principal care for a patient, with no planned endpoint of the relationship; services in this category represent comprehensive care, dealing with the entire scope of patient problems, either directly or in a care coordination role; reporting clinician service examples include, but are not limited to: primary care, and clinicians providing comprehensive care to patients in addition to specialty care |
|
Date
|
Action
|
Notes
|
|---|---|---|
| 2016-01-01 | Changed | First appearance of change in codebook. |
| 2015-07-01 | Changed | Description Changed |
| 2011-01-01 | Changed | Short description changed. |
| 1994-01-01 | Added | First appearance in code book in 1994. |
Get instant expert-level medical coding assistance.