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The CPT® Code 94617 refers to an exercise test specifically designed to evaluate bronchospasm, which is a condition characterized by the tightening of the muscles lining the airways, leading to reduced airflow and gas exchange. This test is crucial for diagnosing exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB), a phenomenon that can occur when individuals engage in physical activity. During the test, a comprehensive assessment of lung function is conducted, which includes pre- and post-spirometry measurements as well as pulse oximetry monitoring. The spirometry tests measure the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), providing baseline data on the patient's lung function before exercise begins. The test also incorporates electrocardiographic recordings to monitor the patient's heart rate and detect any arrhythmias that may arise during the exercise. Patients typically perform the exercise on a treadmill or stationary bicycle, wearing a nose clip to ensure that breathing is solely through the mouth. The goal is to achieve and maintain a heart rate exceeding 90% of the patient's peak heart rate for a duration of six minutes, while also ensuring that the breathing rate exceeds 85% of the maximum voluntary ventilation. Following the exercise, spirometry is repeated to assess any changes in lung function, with evaluations continuing for up to 30 minutes post-exercise. The results of this test can indicate varying degrees of bronchospasm, classified as mild, moderate, or severe based on the percentage increase in FEV1 from the baseline measurement.
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The exercise test for bronchospasm, coded as CPT® 94617, is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms suggestive of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). These symptoms may include:
The procedure for conducting the exercise test for bronchospasm involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of lung function and bronchial responsiveness:
Following the completion of the exercise test, patients are monitored for any immediate post-exercise symptoms or complications. The results of the spirometry tests are analyzed to determine the presence and severity of bronchospasm. A positive test result is classified based on the percentage increase in FEV1 from the baseline measurement: mild bronchospasm is indicated by a 10% to 25% increase, moderate bronchospasm by a 25% to 50% increase, and severe bronchospasm by a 50% or greater increase. Patients may be advised on further management strategies based on the test results, and any necessary follow-up appointments or additional testing may be scheduled to ensure comprehensive care.
| Short Descr | EXERCISE TST BRNCSPSM W/ECG | Medium Descr | XERS TST BRNCSPSM PRE&POST SPMTRY&PLS OX W/ECG | Long Descr | Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and post-spirometry and pulse oximetry; with electrocardiographic recording(s) | Status Code | Active Code | Global Days | XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply | 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 | STV-Packaged Codes | Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) | none | MUE | 1 |
| 26 | Professional component: certain procedures are a combination of a physician or other qualified health care professional component and a technical component. when the physician or other qualified health care professional component is reported separately, the service may be identified by adding modifier 26 to the usual procedure number. | 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. | GW | Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition | GA | Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case | XU | Unusual non-overlapping service, the use of a service that is distinct because it does not overlap usual components of the main service | 25 | Significant, separately identifiable evaluation and management service by the same physician or other qualified health care professional on the same day of the procedure or other service: it may be necessary to indicate that on the day a procedure or service identified by a cpt code was performed, the patient's condition required a significant, separately identifiable e/m service above and beyond the other service provided or beyond the usual preoperative and postoperative care associated with the procedure that was performed. a significant, separately identifiable e/m service is defined or substantiated by documentation that satisfies the relevant criteria for the respective e/m service to be reported (see evaluation and management services guidelines for instructions on determining level of e/m service). the e/m service may be prompted by the symptom or condition for which the procedure and/or service was provided. as such, different diagnoses are not required for reporting of the e/m services on the same date. this circumstance may be reported by adding modifier 25 to the appropriate level of e/m service. note: this modifier is not used to report an e/m service that resulted in a decision to perform surgery. see modifier 57 for significant, separately identifiable non-e/m services, see modifier 59. | GC | This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician | GV | Attending physician not employed or paid under arrangement by the patient's hospice provider | XE | Separate encounter, a service that is distinct because it occurred during a separate encounter |
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| 2021-01-01 | Changed | Code changed. |
| 2018-01-01 | Added | Code Added. |
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