title: Coding and payment for immunizations.
abstract: To maximize reimbursement rates for services related to immunization delivery, pediatricians must develop a best-practice five step action plan for providing immunizations in practice. These include: Implementing optimal coding practices for immunization administration and vaccine products; Capturing the work of associated evaluation and management services with coding; Supporting CPT coding with appropriate ICD-9-CM diagnostic coding links; Incorporating an immunization coding menu, including CPT and ICD-9-CM codes discussed in this article, into the standard practice encounter form; and Aggressively contracting with payers for adequate, flexible payment for immunization services. With knowledge of immunization CPT and ICD-9-CM coding, as well as coding for association E/M visits, the pediatrican is well prepared to deliver immunizations in the medical home.
authors.affiliation: Quality Care Partners, Zanesville, OH, USA. rtuck@columbus.rr.com
authors.forename: Richard H
authors.initials: RH
authors.lastname: Tuck
mesh_terms: D002648:Child; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D007114:Immunization / Q000191:economics*; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms; D014612:Vaccines / Q000191:economics*
chemical_list: D014612:Vaccines