Q:
Can you capture the respiratory therapy reimbursement if the nebulizer is being administered by a nurse?
A:
Yes, as long as the nurse is proficient in the modalities. RAI Appendix A defines Respiratory Therapy as:
Services that are provided by a qualified professional (respiratory therapists, respiratory nurse). Respiratory therapy services are for the assessment, treatment, and monitoring of patients with deficiencies or abnormalities of pulmonary function. Respiratory therapy services include coughing, deep breathing, nebulizer treatments, assessing breath sounds and mechanical ventilation, etc., which must be provided by a respiratory therapist or trained respiratory nurse. A respiratory nurse must be proficient in the modalities listed above either through formal nursing or specific training and may deliver these modalities as allowed under the state Nurse Practice Act and under applicable state laws.
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Blog by Eleisha Wilkes, RN, RAC-CTA , Proactive Medical Review
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