Basics of 90686 CPT code

The provider administers into a muscle of a patient, a preservative–free, four–strain influenza virus vaccine, in a 0.5 mL dose to provide immunity to four forms of influenza, a severe and infectious respiratory disease. Below is the description of 90686 CPT code.

90686 Influenza virus vaccine, quadrivalent, split virus, preservative free, when administered to individuals 3 years of age and older, for intramuscular use

Influenza also known as the flu, is a contagious respiratory illness which is caused by influenza viruses and can cause mild to severe illness. Some symptoms of the virus include fever, chills, general malaise, body aches, headaches, cough, and sore throat. 

As the flu season approaches many people are taking steps to decrease their chances of contracting the flu virus and the best way to avoid getting the flu is to have an annual flu vaccination. A vaccination for the influenza virus can prevent infection.  Development and production of the influenza vaccines are essential components of a comprehensive response to a seasonal or pandemic influenza.

The CDC recommends annual flu shots for everyone 6 months and older by the end of October or as soon as possible each flu season. Medicare Part B covers the seasonal flu shot. No copayment, coinsurance, or deductible is required from patient. Medicare cover additional flu shots if medically necessary

When coding and reporting these vaccinations, the vaccine and the route of administration would be reported separately. The vaccine should be reported with a CPT code that reflects the vaccine product administered. An additional CPT code would be reported to identify the method of administration for the vaccine product given. 

This CPT code are reported for the supply of the vaccine only. A vaccine produces active immunization by inducing the immune system to build its own antibodies against specific microorganisms/viruses. The body retains memory of the antibody production pattern for long-term protection. A split virus suspension of four (two influenza A and two influenza B) (IIV4) of the most prevalent strains of influenza is prepared for intramuscular injection. CPT code 90682 is reported for an antibiotic- and preservative-free, quadrivalent (RIV4) influenza vaccine derived from recombinant DNA, hemagglutinin (HA) protein only. CPT code 90685 is reported for a preservative-free, split virus influenza vaccine dose of 0.25 mL and CPT code 90686 for a 0.5 mL dose. CPT code 90687 for a split virus influenza vaccine dose of 0.25 mL that is not preservative-free and 90688 for a 0.5 mL dose. CPT code 90689 is reported for a preservative-free, inactivated, and adjuvanted quadrivalent influenza vaccine dose of 0.25 mL. These codes should be reported with the appropriate administration code.

Related codes for 90686 CPT code

G0008 —  Administration of influenza virus vaccine
90662 — Influenza virus vaccine (IIV), split virus, preservative free, enhanced immunogenicity via increased antigen content, for intramuscular use
90672 — Influenza virus vaccine, quadrivalent, live (LAIV4), for intranasal use
90674 — Influenza virus vaccine, quadrivalent (ccIIV4), derived from cell cultures, subunit, preservative and antibiotic free, 0.5 mL dosage, for intramuscular use
90682 — Influenza virus vaccine, quadrivalent (RIV4), derived from recombinant DNA, hemagglutinin (HA) protein only, preservative and antibiotic free, for intramuscular use
90687 — Influenza virus vaccine, quadrivalent (IIV4), split virus, 0.25 mL dosage, for intramuscular use
90688 — Influenza virus vaccine, quadrivalent (IIV4), split virus, 0.5 mL dosage, for intramuscular use
90694 — Influenza virus vaccine, quadrivalent (aIIV4), inactivated, adjuvanted, preservative free, 0.5 mL dosage, for intramuscular use
90756 — Influenza virus vaccine, quadrivalent (ccIIV4), derived from cell cultures, subunit, antibiotic free, 0.5 mL dosage, for intramuscular use
Q2039 — Influenza virus vaccine, not otherwise specified

ICD 10 c0de :Z23