Don't forget the immunization administration code
Payment for vaccine codes is intended to cover only the costs associated with the vaccine itself. To get paid for the costs associated with administering the vaccine, including staff time and supplies, be sure to report a code for the administration. To choose the correct administration code, consider the following questions and consult the table below:
- Is the patient 18 years old or younger?
- Did a qualified health professional provide specific counseling to the patient or parent/guardian on the date the vaccine was administered?
- How many vaccines were given, and how many components were in each vaccine?
- Is the patient a Medicare beneficiary?
| Code | Description |
|---|---|
| 90460 |
Immunization administration through 18 years of age (any route) with counseling by physician or other qualified health care professional, first vaccine/toxoid component |
| 90461 |
Immunization administration through 18 years of age (any route) with counseling by physician or other qualified health care professional, each additional vaccine/toxoid component |
| 90471 |
Immunization administration (percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular), first vaccine |
| 90472 |
Immunization administration (percutaneous, intradermal, subcutaneous, intramuscular), each additional vaccine |
| 90473 |
Immunization administration (nasal or oral), first vaccine |
| 90474 |
Immunization administration (nasal or oral), each additional vaccine |
| G0008 |
Administration of the influenza vaccine, Medicare insurance |
| G0009 |
Administration of the pneumococcal vaccine, Medicare insurance |
Adapted from "Immunizations: How to Protect Patients and the Bottom Line."
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