CPT® Code 95071

Official Description

Inhalation bronchial challenge testing (not including necessary pulmonary function tests); with antigens or gases, specify

Common Language Description

An inhalation bronchial challenge test is a diagnostic procedure primarily utilized in the evaluation and management of asthma. This test involves the use of a nebulizer, which is a device that converts liquid medication into a mist, allowing the patient to inhale specific testing compounds. Commonly used agents for this purpose include histamine, methacholine, or other antigens and gases. During the test, the patient inhales the mist for a designated duration, followed by a forceful exhalation into a spirometer. The spirometer is an instrument that measures various parameters of lung function, including the volume of air inhaled and exhaled, as well as the timing of these breaths. The results from the spirometer are graphically represented, providing a visual depiction of the patient's respiratory response. The concentration of the inhaled testing compound may be modified throughout the procedure to elicit a bronchial response, which is indicative of airway hyperreactivity. If adjustments to the concentration are made, the patient will inhale the mist again, and subsequent spirometric measurements will be taken. The physician is responsible for analyzing the data collected from the bronchial challenge test, interpreting the spirometric results, and compiling a comprehensive written report detailing the findings. It is important to report CPT® code 95071 when the bronchial challenge test is conducted using antigens or specific gases, which must be clearly identified, rather than the more commonly used histamine or methacholine.

1. Indications

The inhalation bronchial challenge test is indicated for the following conditions:

Asthma Diagnosis This test is performed to confirm the diagnosis of asthma in patients who exhibit symptoms such as wheezing, shortness of breath, or chest tightness.
Assessment of Airway Hyperreactivity It is used to evaluate the sensitivity of the airways to various stimuli, which is a characteristic feature of asthma.
Monitoring Asthma Management The test can help in assessing the effectiveness of asthma management strategies and medications by determining the patient's response to specific inhaled agents.
Identifying Triggers It assists in identifying specific allergens or irritants that may provoke bronchoconstriction in susceptible individuals.

2. Procedure

The inhalation bronchial challenge test involves several key procedural steps that ensure accurate assessment of the patient's respiratory response:

Preparation of the Patient Prior to the test, the patient is informed about the procedure and any necessary preparations, such as avoiding certain medications that may affect the results. The patient's baseline lung function is typically assessed using spirometry to establish a reference point.
Administration of the Testing Compound The nebulizer is set up to deliver a mist containing a specific concentration of the chosen testing compound, which may include histamine, methacholine, or other identified antigens or gases. The patient is instructed to inhale the mist deeply and hold their breath for a brief period to ensure adequate delivery to the lungs.
Monitoring Spirometric Readings After inhalation, the patient exhales forcefully into the spirometer. The device records various parameters, including the volume of air exhaled and the time taken for inhalation and exhalation. These readings are crucial for evaluating the patient's respiratory function.
Adjustment of Concentration If the initial spirometric readings indicate a need for further assessment, the concentration of the testing compound may be adjusted. The patient will inhale the mist again, and additional spirometric measurements will be taken to observe any changes in lung function.
Interpretation of Results Following the completion of the test, the physician reviews the spirometric data and interprets the patient's response to the bronchial challenge. A comprehensive written report is generated, summarizing the findings and any significant changes in lung function.

3. Post-Procedure

After the inhalation bronchial challenge test, the patient may be monitored for any immediate adverse reactions, such as bronchospasm or respiratory distress. It is essential to ensure that the patient is stable before they leave the testing area. The physician will provide guidance on any necessary follow-up actions based on the test results, which may include adjustments to asthma management plans or further diagnostic evaluations. Patients are typically advised to resume their normal activities unless otherwise directed, and they may receive instructions regarding the use of rescue inhalers if needed.

Short Descr	BRONCHIAL ALLERGY TESTS
Medium Descr	INHLJ BRNCL CHALLENGE TSTG W/AGS/GASES
Long Descr	Inhalation bronchial challenge testing (not including necessary pulmonary function tests); with antigens or gases, specify
Status Code	Active Code
Global Days	XXX - Global Concept Does Not Apply
PC/TC Indicator (26, TC)	3 - Technical Component Only 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	02 - Procedure must be performed under the direct supervision of a physician.
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	Not applicable/unspecified.
CCS Clinical Classification	173 - Other diagnostic procedures on skin and subcutaneous tissue