2025 CPT code 94618
Effective Date: N/A Medicine - Pulmonary Procedures Feed
Pulmonary stress testing (e.g., 6-minute walk test), including measurement of heart rate, oximetry, and oxygen titration, when performed.
Applicable modifiers for 94618 include:
Medical necessity for pulmonary stress testing must be established by documenting the patient's symptoms, medical history, and the clinical rationale for performing the test.The documentation should demonstrate that the test is necessary for diagnosis, treatment planning, or monitoring of a pulmonary condition.
Pulmonary stress testing is performed by healthcare professionals specializing in pulmonary medicine or related fields. The provider's responsibilities include:
In simple words: This test checks how well your lungs work during exercise. The doctor will monitor your heart rate, oxygen levels, and breathing while you walk for six minutes.They may adjust your oxygen supply if needed.
Pulmonary stress testing is a noninvasive diagnostic test done for pulmonary assessment and to evaluate patients with lung disease symptoms like shortness of breath or wheezing that occurs during exercise.The provider puts the patient under physical stress to evaluate exercise capacity, often using a six-minute walk test.During the test, the provider measures physiological parameters like heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen saturation.Oxygen titration (adjusting the oxygen flow based on the patient's needs) may also be performed.
Example 1: A patient with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) undergoes a pulmonary stress test to evaluate their exercise capacity and the impact of exercise on their oxygen saturation levels.The results are used to adjust their medication regimen and develop a pulmonary rehabilitation plan., A patient experiencing shortness of breath during exertion undergoes a pulmonary stress test to determine the cause of their symptoms.The test reveals exercise-induced asthma, prompting treatment with an inhaled bronchodilator., A patient with interstitial lung disease (ILD) undergoes pulmonary stress testing to assess the severity of their condition and determine their eligibility for lung transplantation.The test may help guide treatment decisions.
Documentation for 94618 should include:
- Revenue Code: T2D - OTHER TESTS - OTHER