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Official Description

Immunization administration by intranasal or oral route; each additional vaccine (single or combination vaccine/toxoid) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)

© Copyright 2026 American Medical Association. All rights reserved.

Common Language Description

The CPT® Code 90474 refers to the administration of immunizations via intranasal or oral routes, specifically for each additional vaccine administered beyond the primary procedure. This code is applicable when a patient, regardless of age, receives a single vaccine or a combination vaccine/toxoid. It is important to note that this administration can occur with or without a face-to-face encounter with a healthcare professional. For patients over the age of 18, the administration may not require direct interaction with a physician or other healthcare provider. Additionally, this code is also relevant for patients aged 18 or younger when the vaccine/toxoid is given without the necessity of face-to-face counseling. To accurately report the immunization process, the primary vaccine administration is coded using 90473, while 90474 is designated for each subsequent vaccine/toxoid administered during the same visit. This structured approach ensures proper documentation and billing for immunization services provided to patients.

© Copyright 2026 Coding Ahead. All rights reserved.

1. Indications

The CPT® Code 90474 is indicated for the administration of additional vaccines or toxoids when a patient is receiving immunizations via intranasal or oral routes. The following conditions or scenarios warrant the use of this code:

  • Additional Vaccine Administration This code is used when a patient is receiving more than one vaccine during the same encounter, necessitating the reporting of each additional vaccine separately.
  • Age Considerations The code applies to patients over the age of 18, as well as to patients aged 18 or younger, allowing for flexibility in immunization practices.
  • Face-to-Face Encounter The administration can occur with or without a face-to-face encounter with a healthcare professional, making it applicable in various clinical settings.

2. Procedure

The procedure for administering vaccines under CPT® Code 90474 involves several key steps that ensure proper delivery and documentation of the immunization process. Each step is crucial for compliance and accurate billing:

  • Step 1: Patient Assessment Prior to administration, the healthcare provider assesses the patient to confirm the need for additional vaccines. This may include reviewing the patient's immunization history and current health status.
  • Step 2: Vaccine Preparation The healthcare professional prepares the vaccine or combination vaccine/toxoid for administration. This includes checking the vaccine's expiration date, ensuring proper storage conditions, and following aseptic techniques to maintain safety.
  • Step 3: Administration of Vaccine The vaccine is administered via the intranasal or oral route, as indicated. The provider ensures that the patient is comfortable and understands the procedure, even if a face-to-face encounter is not required.
  • Step 4: Documentation After administration, the provider documents the details of the vaccine given, including the type of vaccine, dosage, route of administration, and any relevant patient information. This documentation is essential for billing purposes and to maintain accurate medical records.
  • Step 5: Post-Administration Care The provider may offer post-administration care instructions, including monitoring for any immediate adverse reactions, although this may vary based on the specific vaccine administered.

3. Post-Procedure

Following the administration of vaccines coded under CPT® 90474, it is important to monitor the patient for any immediate side effects or adverse reactions, which may include mild symptoms such as nasal congestion or gastrointestinal discomfort, depending on the vaccine type. Documentation of the administration and any observed reactions should be recorded in the patient's medical record. Additionally, the healthcare provider may provide the patient with information regarding potential side effects and when to seek further medical attention. This ensures that the patient is well-informed and can report any concerns that may arise after the immunization. Proper follow-up care and documentation are essential for maintaining compliance and ensuring patient safety.

Short Descr IMMUNE ADMIN ORAL/NASAL ADDL
Medium Descr IM ADM INTRANSL/ORAL EA VACCINE
Long Descr Immunization administration by intranasal or oral route; each additional vaccine (single or combination vaccine/toxoid) (List separately in addition to code for primary procedure)
Status Code Active Code
Global Days ZZZ - Code Related to Another Service
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC) 0 - Physician Service 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 Items and Services Packaged into APC Rates
Type of Service (TOS) 1 - Medical Care
Berenson-Eggers TOS (BETOS) O1G - Immunizations/Vaccinations
MUE 1
CCS Clinical Classification 228 - Prophylactic vaccinations and inoculations

This is an add-on code that must be used in conjunction with one of these primary codes.

90460 MPFS Status: Active Code APC B Immunization administration through 18 years of age via any route of administration, with counseling by physician or other qualified health care professional; first or only component of each vaccine or toxoid administered
90471 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q1 CPT Assistant Article Immunization administration (includes percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, or intramuscular injections); 1 vaccine (single or combination vaccine/toxoid)
90473 MPFS Status: Active Code APC Q1 CPT Assistant Article Immunization administration by intranasal or oral route; 1 vaccine (single or combination vaccine/toxoid)
G0008 Medicare Coverage: Carrier Priced MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC S Administration of influenza virus vaccine
G0009 Medicare Coverage: Carrier Priced MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC S Administration of pneumococcal vaccine
G0010 Medicare Coverage: Carrier Priced MPFS Status: Statutory exclusion (from MPFS, may be paid under other methodologies) APC S Administration of hepatitis b vaccine
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.
AQ Physician providing a service in an unlisted health professional shortage area (hpsa)
GA Waiver of liability statement issued as required by payer policy, individual case
GC This service has been performed in part by a resident under the direction of a teaching physician
GY Item or service statutorily excluded, does not meet the definition of any medicare benefit or, for non-medicare insurers, is not a contract benefit
Date
Action
Notes
2025-01-01 Note First appearance of guideline changes in codebook.
2024-01-01 Note First appearance of updated 2022 guidelines in codebook
2023-11-01 Note Note: AMA Guideline changed. These codes have been deleted from the guidelines: 91300-91317.
2023-11-01 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91304, 91318, 91319, 91320, 91321, 91322 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2023-04-18 Note These codes (previously associated with 90474) are no longer authorized for use in the United States: 91300, 91301, 91305, 91306, 91307, 91308, 91309, and 91311
2023-01-01 Note First appearance of guideline change(s) in codebook.
2022-12-08 Note AMA Guideline changed. 91316 received FDA approval.
2022-12-08 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91317. Published to website 2021-12-09. Received FDA approval effective retroactively to 2022-12-08.
2022-11-16 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91316 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2022-08-31 Note AMA guideline changed 91312, 91313 received FDA approval effectively immediately.
2022-08-31 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91312, 91313, 91314, 91315 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2022-07-13 Note AMA guideline changed. 91304 received FDA approval.
2022-06-17 Note AMA guideline changed. 91308 & 91311 received FDA approval.
2022-05-19 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91311 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2022-04-26 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91310 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2022-03-29 Note AMA guideline changed. 91309 received FDA approval.
2022-03-07 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91309 effective upon receiving emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2022-02-01 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91308 effective upon receiving emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2022-01-01 Changed First appearance of 2020-2021 AMA guideline changes in codebook.
2021-10-29 Note AMA Guideline changed. 91305 and 91307 received FDA approval.
2021-10-20 Note AMA Guideline changed. 91306 received FDA approval.
2021-10-06 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91307 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2021-09-03 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91305, 91306 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2021-05-04 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91304 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2021-02-27 Note AMA Guideline changed. 91303 received FDA approval.
2021-01-19 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91303 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2020-12-18 Note AMA Guideline changed. 91301 received FDA approval.
2020-12-17 Note AMA Guideline changed. 91302 effective upon receiving EUA or approval from the FDA.
2020-12-11 Note AMA Guideline changed. 91300 received FDA approval.
2020-11-10 Note AMA guideline changed to include 91300 & 91301 effective upon receiving Emergency Use Authorization or approval from the FDA.
2013-01-01 Changed Guideline information changed.
2002-01-01 Added Code added
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