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Official Description

Yellow fever vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90717 refers to the yellow fever vaccine, which is a live vaccine administered via subcutaneous injection. Vaccines, such as this one, are designed to provide active, long-term immunity by stimulating the recipient's immune system. Unlike immune globulins that offer short-term, passive immunity, vaccines expose the immune system to altered forms of specific viruses or bacteria. This exposure prompts the immune system to produce its own antibodies, which are crucial for fighting off infections. Once vaccinated, the body retains a memory of how to produce these antibodies, allowing for a quicker and more effective response upon subsequent exposure to the actual pathogen. The yellow fever vaccine specifically contains a live, attenuated virus, meaning the virus has been weakened to the point where it can still provoke an immune response without causing the disease itself. This vaccine is particularly important for individuals traveling to areas where yellow fever is endemic, such as parts of South America and sub-Saharan Africa, as it helps protect against this potentially severe viral infection.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The yellow fever vaccine (CPT® Code 90717) is indicated for individuals who are traveling to or living in areas where yellow fever is endemic. The vaccine is particularly recommended for travelers to South America and sub-Saharan Africa, where the risk of yellow fever transmission is higher. Additionally, it may be indicated for individuals who are at increased risk of exposure due to occupational or recreational activities in these regions.

  • Travel to Endemic Areas Individuals traveling to regions where yellow fever is prevalent, particularly in South America and sub-Saharan Africa, are advised to receive this vaccine to prevent infection.
  • Occupational Exposure Healthcare workers, laboratory personnel, and others who may be exposed to the yellow fever virus in their work environment should be vaccinated.
  • Recreational Activities Individuals engaging in outdoor activities in areas where yellow fever is endemic may also require vaccination to reduce the risk of contracting the virus.

2. Procedure

The administration of the yellow fever vaccine involves several key procedural steps to ensure safety and efficacy. First, the healthcare provider will review the patient's medical history and assess any contraindications to vaccination. This includes checking for allergies to vaccine components or previous adverse reactions to vaccines. Once deemed appropriate for vaccination, the provider will prepare the vaccine by ensuring it is stored correctly and is within its expiration date. The vaccine is then drawn into a syringe, and the injection site is cleaned with an antiseptic to minimize the risk of infection. The vaccine is administered subcutaneously, typically in the upper arm, using a sterile technique. After the injection, the provider will monitor the patient for a short period to observe for any immediate adverse reactions, ensuring that the patient is stable before they leave the healthcare setting.

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment The healthcare provider reviews the patient's medical history and checks for any contraindications to the yellow fever vaccine.
  • Step 2: Vaccine Preparation The vaccine is prepared by ensuring proper storage conditions and checking the expiration date before drawing it into a syringe.
  • Step 3: Site Preparation The injection site is cleaned with an antiseptic to reduce the risk of infection prior to administration.
  • Step 4: Administration The vaccine is administered subcutaneously in the upper arm using sterile technique.
  • Step 5: Post-Administration Monitoring The patient is monitored for any immediate adverse reactions following the vaccination.

3. Post-Procedure

After receiving the yellow fever vaccine, patients are typically advised to remain in the healthcare setting for a brief period to monitor for any immediate side effects, which may include mild fever, soreness at the injection site, or fatigue. It is important for patients to be informed about potential side effects and when to seek medical attention. Additionally, patients should be educated on the importance of keeping their vaccination records, as proof of vaccination may be required for entry into certain countries. It is also recommended that individuals consult with their healthcare provider regarding any further vaccinations or health precautions needed for travel to endemic areas. Overall, the expected recovery is generally quick, with most individuals resuming normal activities shortly after vaccination.

Short Descr YELLOW FEVER VACCINE SUBQ
Medium Descr YELLOW FEVER VACCINE LIVE SUBQ
Long Descr Yellow fever vaccine, live, for subcutaneous use
Related Drugs YF-VAX
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
ASC Payment Indicator Packaged service/item; no separate payment made.
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) O1G - Immunizations/Vaccinations
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations
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
53 Discontinued procedure: under certain circumstances, the physician or other qualified health care professional may elect to terminate a surgical or diagnostic procedure. due to extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient, it may be necessary to indicate that a surgical or diagnostic procedure was started but discontinued. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 53 to the code reported by the individual for the discontinued procedure. note: this modifier is not used to report the elective cancellation of a procedure prior to the patient's anesthesia induction and/or surgical preparation in the operating suite. for outpatient hospital/ambulatory surgery center (asc) reporting of a previously scheduled procedure/service that is partially reduced or cancelled as a result of extenuating circumstances or those that threaten the well being of the patient prior to or after administration of anesthesia, see modifiers 73 and 74 (see modifiers approved for asc hospital outpatient use).
76 Repeat procedure or service by same physician or other qualified health care professional: it may be necessary to indicate that a procedure or service was repeated by the same physician or other qualified health care professional subsequent to the original procedure or service. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 76 to the repeated procedure or service. note: this modifier should not be appended to an e/m service.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
CR Catastrophe/disaster related
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GX Notice of liability issued, voluntary under payer policy
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
JZ Zero drug amount discarded/not administered to any patient
UC Medicaid level of care 12, as defined by each state
Date
Action
Notes
2011-01-01 Changed Short description changed.
Pre-1990 Added Code added.
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