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Official Description

Mechanical chest wall oscillation to facilitate lung function, per session

© Copyright 2025 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

Mechanical chest wall oscillation is a specialized form of chest physiotherapy designed to enhance lung function by mobilizing and removing airway secretions in patients suffering from chronic lung conditions. This technique employs a mechanical device, commonly referred to as a pneumatic vest, which is connected to an air pulse generator. The primary function of this device is to deliver positive pressure air pulses to the chest wall. These air pulses create vibrations that effectively mimic the natural forces generated by coughing. As a result, this process improves airflow within the lungs, loosens mucus, and assists patients in expelling sputum from their respiratory tracts. During the procedure, the patient is positioned upright in a sitting posture to optimize the effectiveness of the treatment. The pneumatic vest is securely fitted onto the patient and linked to the air pulse generator. Additionally, an aerosol bronchodilator is administered to further facilitate airway dilation. The mechanical chest wall oscillation treatment begins with low levels of pressure and frequency, which are gradually increased to reach the prescribed therapeutic levels. Each session typically lasts for a total of 30 minutes, ensuring adequate time for the procedure to achieve its intended therapeutic effects.

© Copyright 2025 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

Mechanical chest wall oscillation is indicated for patients with chronic lung conditions that necessitate the mobilization of airway secretions. The following conditions may warrant the use of this procedure:

  • Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Patients with COPD may experience difficulty in clearing mucus, making mechanical chest wall oscillation beneficial for improving lung function.
  • Cystic Fibrosis This genetic disorder leads to thick, sticky mucus accumulation in the lungs, and mechanical oscillation can aid in mucus clearance.
  • Bronchiectasis Patients with bronchiectasis often have chronic sputum production, and this procedure can help in mobilizing and expelling secretions.
  • Neuromuscular Disorders Conditions that impair respiratory muscle function may benefit from this therapy to enhance airway clearance.

2. Procedure

The procedure for mechanical chest wall oscillation involves several key steps to ensure effective treatment.

  • Step 1: Patient Positioning The patient is positioned upright in a sitting posture to facilitate optimal lung expansion and secretion mobilization. This position is crucial for the effectiveness of the oscillation therapy.
  • Step 2: Application of the Pneumatic Vest A pneumatic vest is placed on the patient, ensuring a snug fit to maximize the contact area for the air pulses. The vest is then connected to the air pulse generator, which will deliver the necessary oscillation.
  • Step 3: Administration of Bronchodilator An aerosol bronchodilator is administered to the patient prior to initiating the mechanical oscillation. This medication helps to open the airways, making it easier for the patient to breathe and facilitating mucus clearance.
  • Step 4: Initiation of Mechanical Oscillation The mechanical chest wall oscillation is started at low pressure and frequency settings. This gradual approach allows the patient to acclimate to the treatment.
  • Step 5: Adjustment of Settings The pressure and frequency of the air pulses are slowly increased to the prescribed therapeutic levels, based on the patient's tolerance and treatment goals. This adjustment is critical for maximizing the effectiveness of the therapy.
  • Step 6: Duration of Treatment The total treatment session typically lasts for 30 minutes, during which the mechanical oscillation continues to facilitate lung function and secretion clearance.

3. Post-Procedure

After the mechanical chest wall oscillation session, patients may experience improved airway clearance and enhanced lung function. It is important to monitor the patient for any immediate reactions to the treatment. Patients may be advised to rest and hydrate adequately following the procedure to support mucus clearance. Additionally, healthcare providers may recommend follow-up sessions based on the patient's individual needs and response to therapy. Regular assessments of lung function and secretion management may also be necessary to determine the ongoing effectiveness of the treatment.

Short Descr MECHANICAL CHEST WALL OSCILL
Medium Descr MECHANICAL CHEST WALL OSCILLATION LUNG FUNCTION
Long Descr Mechanical chest wall oscillation to facilitate lung function, per session
Status Code Active Code
Global Days XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 5 - Incident To Code
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
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) T2D - Other tests - other
MUE 2
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
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2014-01-01 Added Added
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