Pediatricians to document "preservative free" vaccinations

Two new CPT codes, one for adult and one for a child under 3yrs flu vaccination, will be early activated by the AMA so physicians and professionals can report using a preservative-free flu vaccine. These are in addition to already existing codes for flu vaccinations. http://www.ama-assn.org/ama/pub/category/10902.html

CPT codes are intended as a reporting tool for physicians and other health professionals. Due to the hype in media and govt. statements about Thimerosal, and a growing fear of professional liability, it makes sense to document in a patient's record that a "preservative-free" vaccine was used. These new codes were created to satisfy the need. (See the vaccinations protocols from the AAP: http://www.cispimmunize.org/pdf/influenzaguidance0304.pdf and government statements on Thimerosal: http://www.fda.gov/cber/vaccine/thimerosal.htm , http://www.cdc.gov/nip/vacsafe/concerns/thimerosal/faqs-availfree.htm )

Two side-effects to every new code like this one that is created for "reporting" purposes is that it legitimizes the service to a degree, and makes it eligible for separate and unique reimbursement when the code is used for government funding, or on an insurance claim.

How much professional credibility will the creation of a "preservative-free" descriptor on a CPT code lend to Thimerosal sensationalism? Some, for sure. Otherwise, there is only speculation.