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Official Description

Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and post-spirometry and pulse oximetry; without electrocardiographic recording(s)

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 94619 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 a reduction in 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 baseline spirometry assessment is conducted to measure the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1), which provides a reference point for lung function. Additionally, a pulse oximeter is utilized to continuously monitor the patient's oxygen saturation levels throughout the procedure. The patient undergoes a controlled exercise regimen, typically on a treadmill or stationary bicycle, while wearing a nose clip to ensure that breathing is conducted 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 two minutes, followed by sustaining this intensity for an additional six minutes. This level of exertion is intended to provoke any bronchospasm that may occur in response to exercise. Following the exercise, spirometry is repeated five minutes post-exercise, with the possibility of continued evaluation for up to 30 minutes to assess any changes in lung function. The results of the test are categorized based on the percentage increase in FEV1 from the baseline measurement, with specific thresholds indicating mild, moderate, or severe bronchospasm. This structured approach allows healthcare professionals to accurately assess the patient's respiratory response to exercise and determine the appropriate management strategies for EIB.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The exercise test for bronchospasm, coded as CPT® 94619, is indicated for patients who exhibit symptoms suggestive of exercise-induced bronchospasm (EIB). These symptoms may include:

  • Cough A persistent cough that may occur during or after exercise.
  • Wheeze A high-pitched whistling sound during breathing, particularly noticeable during exhalation.
  • Dyspnea Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, especially during physical activity.
  • Chest Tightness A sensation of constriction or pressure in the chest that can accompany physical exertion.

2. Procedure

The procedure for conducting the exercise test for bronchospasm involves several key steps to ensure accurate assessment of lung function and response to exercise:

  • Step 1: Baseline Spirometry Assessment Initially, a baseline spirometry test is performed to measure the forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1). This measurement serves as a reference point for evaluating any changes in lung function following exercise.
  • Step 2: Pulse Oximetry Monitoring The patient is connected to a pulse oximeter, which continuously monitors oxygen saturation levels throughout the test. This is crucial for assessing the patient's respiratory status during exercise.
  • Step 3: Exercise Induction The patient is then placed on a treadmill or stationary bicycle. A nose clip is applied to ensure that the patient breathes through the mouth. The exercise regimen is designed to achieve a heart rate greater than 90% of the patient's peak heart rate within two minutes and to maintain this intensity for a total of six minutes.
  • Step 4: Post-Exercise Spirometry After the exercise period, spirometry is repeated five minutes post-exercise to measure any changes in FEV1. This evaluation may continue for up to 30 minutes post-exercise to monitor the patient's lung function recovery and any potential bronchospasm response.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the exercise test, the patient is 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 indicated by specific increases in FEV1: a mild bronchospasm is defined as a 10% to 25% increase over the baseline, moderate bronchospasm as a 25% to 50% increase, and severe bronchospasm as a 50% or greater increase. The healthcare provider will discuss the findings with the patient and may recommend further management or treatment options based on the test results.

Short Descr EXERCISE TST BRNCSPSM WO ECG
Medium Descr XERS TST BRNCSPSM PRE&POST SPMTRY&PLS OX WO /ECG
Long Descr Exercise test for bronchospasm, including pre- and post-spirometry and pulse oximetry; without 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.
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.
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.
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GW Service not related to the hospice patient's terminal condition
GZ Item or service expected to be denied as not reasonable and necessary
Date
Action
Notes
2021-01-01 Added Code added.
Code
Description
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