Methacholine challenge testing: identifying its diagnostic role, testing, coding, and reimbursement.
Methacholine challenge testing (MCT), also sometimes described as bronchoprovocation testing, is widely performed for both research and diagnostic purposes. MCT is clinically useful when the patient presents with a history of symptoms suggesting asthma, but spirometry findings are normal. Typically, MCT is performed in a pulmonary function laboratory, a clinic, or a physician's office. MCT requires time, effort, and understanding. Two standard testing regimes are identified along with proper coding and reimbursement methodologies.
Birnbaum
Sam
S
Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Northeastern Ohio Univeristies College of Medicine, Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine, OH, USA. sam@mypracticeconsultant.com
Barreiro
Timothy J
TJ
D001249:Asthma / Q000145:classification / Q000175:diagnosis; D001985:Bronchial Provocation Tests / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000191:economics* / Q000379:methods*; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D006801:Humans; D007349:Insurance, Health, Reimbursement / Q000191:economics; D016210:Methacholine Chloride / Q000009:adverse effects; D012680:Sensitivity and Specificity; D013147:Spirometry
D016210:Methacholine Chloride