Code Correctly for 2013-14 Flu Season

The 2013-14 flu season  those sniffly months from October to May  is upon us. Along with updated vaccines, the season brings updated coding, payment, and medical policies from the various payers. Here is where you can find current information to make sure you get paid correctly for vaccines and vaccine administration. You can find more information about the current flu season on the TMA website.

 Aetna  For Aetna Medicare, refer to Refer to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMSMedicare Preventive Services (PDF) quick reference guide. For Aetna commercial plans, go to  Aetnas secure provider portal, NaviNet. Click on Aetna Health Plan>Claims>Policy Information>Benefits Guidance Statement>Routine Preventive Care Services.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)  Go to Medical Policies webpage and search for preventive care services. Search also for immunization to view the BCBSTX Recommended Immunization Schedule for Children and Adults.

Cigna  See Cignas guide to preventive health coverage (PDF). Scroll to page 7 for coding information about routine immunizations and administration of vaccines.

Humana — See Humana's YourPractice (PDF), August 2013; read Immunization Administration Requires Immunization Code on Claims.

Medicaid/Texas Medicaid & Healthcare Partnership  In the Texas Medicaid Procedures Manual, September 2013, see section 9.2.38.2 Vaccine and Toxoid Procedure Codes

Medicare  CMS Medicare Immunization Billing (PDF) and Medicare Preventive Services (PDF) quick reference guides, and its Influenza Vaccine Payment Allowances  Annual Update for 2013-2014 Season. Be sure to bill codes for both the actual vaccine and for the appropriate vaccine administration code.  

UnitedHealthcare (UHC)  See Coding Summary for Providers (PDF); scroll to the Immunizations section on page 3. See also UHCs preventive care services medical policy (PDF).

Have You Had Your Flu Shot?

You can get your own flu shot and other vaccinations recommended for health care professionals at 2013 TMA Fall Conference. Physicians and their families, medical students, and office staff can get a vaccination Saturday, Oct. 19, from 7:30 to 8:30 am. The event is sponsored by TMAs Committee on Infectious Diseases and Be Wise — Immunize .

Flu shots, including the new quadrivalent vaccine, and flu mist will be available. You also can get a Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) or MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccination. Costs will be: flu shots, $27; quadrivalent vaccination (limited supply), $40; FluMist, $40; Tdap shots, $80; and MMR, $105. Be sure to reserve your vaccination when you register for TMAs Fall Conference.

Host a Flu Shot Clinic

Be Wise — Immunize has the tools you need to plan, organize, and carry out a flu shot clinic in your community. Visit the Be Wise website for details and more information about immunizations.

Be Wise  Immunize is a service mark of the Texas Medical Association. 

Published Sept. 26, 2013 

 


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Last Updated On

February 03, 2016

Originally Published On

September 26, 2013