CPT codes are standardized identifiers used in healthcare to describe medical procedures and services. CPT 94060 is the specific code for spirometry with bronchodilator responsiveness testing. This procedure evaluates lung health, especially for conditions involving airway narrowing. The code covers measuring lung function both before and after administering medication designed to open the airways.
The Spirometry Procedure
The process begins with the patient seated, wearing a nose clip to ensure all air is breathed through the mouth and into the spirometer. The patient is instructed to take a deep breath and then exhale as forcefully and completely as possible into the mouthpiece. This initial effort provides the baseline measurements of lung function, recorded as the “pre-bronchodilator” values.
After obtaining acceptable measurements, a bronchodilator medication, such as albuterol, is administered. This short-acting drug is delivered via a nebulizer or a metered-dose inhaler. The patient then rests for 15 to 20 minutes, allowing the medication time to reach its maximum effect on the airways.
Following the waiting period, the patient repeats the forced exhalation maneuvers into the spirometer. These efforts yield the “post-bronchodilator” values, which are compared against the initial baseline measurements. The difference between the two sets of results determines the patient’s response to the bronchodilator.
Clinical Indications for Testing
This test is ordered when a physician suspects a condition characterized by reversible airway obstruction. Common symptoms prompting the test include persistent shortness of breath, chronic cough, and wheezing. These symptoms suggest that the airways may be narrowed, hindering the flow of air out of the lungs.
The test helps diagnose or differentiate obstructive lung diseases like asthma and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). For diagnosed patients, CPT 94060 monitors the effectiveness of their treatment plan. The procedure’s purpose is to determine if airway narrowing improves significantly after bronchodilator administration.
Interpreting the Bronchodilator Response
Interpreting CPT 94060 results centers on comparing pre- and post-bronchodilator values for two measurements: Forced Expiratory Volume in 1 second (FEV1) and Forced Vital Capacity (FVC). FEV1 measures the volume of air forcefully exhaled in the first second. FVC represents the total amount of air the patient can forcefully exhale after a maximal inhalation. These values are compared to identify changes in airflow dynamics after medication delivery.
A significant bronchodilator response suggests reversible airway obstruction and is defined by quantitative increases in these values. Guidelines use a threshold of an increase in either FEV1 or FVC by at least 12% and a minimum of 200 milliliters (mL) from the baseline. If the patient’s measurements meet or exceed this increase, the response is considered positive.
A positive response indicates that airway narrowing is at least partially reversible with medication, strongly supporting an asthma diagnosis. A significant response can also be seen in many patients with COPD. Conversely, a lack of response does not rule out asthma, as other factors may influence the test results.