Pediatric Billing and Coding Guide: CPT Codes and Best Practices

What is Pediatric Billing and Coding?

Pediatric billing and coding refer to the specialized process of documenting, assigning codes, and submitting claims for healthcare services provided to children, from newborns to young adults. Pediatric practices require coders and billers to work with age-specific CPT codes, growth-related diagnoses, and preventive services such as vaccinations and developmental screenings.

 

The purpose of this pediatric billing and coding guide is to help healthcare providers and medical billers understand the unique nuances involved in pediatric revenue cycle management. This includes coding visits accurately, reducing denials, and ensuring timely reimbursement.

Pediatric Age Groups and Their Coding Implications

Age plays a critical role in pediatric coding. Many CPT codes are tied directly to specific age groups. Incorrect age-related coding can result in automatic denials.

GroupAge Range
NeonateBirth to 28 Days
Post Neonate29 Days – <1 Year
Toddler1 – 3 Years
Preschool Child3 – 5 Years
School-aged Child6 – 9 Years
Adolescent10 – 18 Years

Always verify that the patient’s age aligns with the preventive or developmental CPT code selected.

Whatever be the size of your pediatrics practice, outsourcing your billing and coding obligations to seasoned pediatrics billing service providers will help you reduce money and pump new vigor into your revenue cycle. We offer prior authorizations, claim submission, accounts receivable, denials management, and credentialing services. Our team of pediatrics billing specialists can help construct a leakage-free revenue cycle for your practice.

CPT Codes Commonly Used in Pediatric Billing and Coding

Below is a list of commonly used CPT codes in pediatric practices, divided by purpose:

 

Preventive Medicine Visits:

Age RangeNew PatientEstablished Patient
<1 year9938199391
1–4 years9938299392
5–11 years9938399393
12–17 years9938499394
18+ years99385

99395

Evaluation and Management (E/M):

  • 99202–99205: New office visits

  • 99211–99215: Established office visits

Vaccine Administration:

  • 90460: With counseling (first component)

  • +90461: Each additional component

  • 90471–90474: Without counseling or for older patients

Examples of vaccines and codes:

  • 90686: Quadrivalent flu vaccine

  • 90744: Hepatitis B

  • 90707: MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella)

  • 91318: COVID-19 mRNA vaccine

Using this pediatric billing and coding guide, staff can reduce administrative errors and streamline the revenue cycle.

Importance of Documentation and Consent in Pediatric Coding

Accurate documentation is essential for proper reimbursement and legal compliance.

 

Key documentation elements include:

 

  • Chief complaint, HPI, and physical exam

  • Growth metrics (height, weight, head circumference)

  • Developmental milestones and screenings

  • Vaccination records with parent/guardian consent

  • Behavioral/emotional assessments (96127)

When billing for multiple services (e.g., preventive + acute care in the same visit), ensure the use of modifier 25 and document both encounters distinctly.

Most Common Pediatric Billing Errors (and How to Avoid Them)

Even small errors in pediatric billing can result in denials, delays, or underpayments. Below are the most frequent mistakes and how to address them effectively.

 

  1. Age mismatch – Using a code that doesn’t align with patient’s DOB.

  2. Missing modifier 25  When two services are rendered but not separated.

  3. Improper vaccine coding  Not distinguishing 90460 vs 90471.

  4. Under-documentation  Failing to support the level of E/M chosen.

  5. Lack of updated code references  Using outdated CPT or ICD-10 codes.

Each error can lead to denied claims or payment delays, making this pediatric billing and coding guide a vital tool for education and quality control.

Best Practices for Pediatric Billing and Coding in 2025

To stay compliant and financially efficient in 2025, pediatric practices must adopt proven billing strategies. The following best practices help minimize errors and improve reimbursement rates.

 

  • Use pediatric-specific EHR systems that automatically update CPT/ICD codes.

  • Conduct regular internal audits to identify coding inconsistencies.

  • Train billing teams on AAP and CMS updates, especially those impacting well-child visits.

  • Track denial trends and implement SOPs to avoid repeat issues.

  • Submit clean claims electronically to reduce reimbursement cycles.

Leveraging automation, including claim scrubbing tools and code-checkers, will be essential for accuracy. For a deeper dive into billing automation and coding accuracy, explore our full article on tips and tricks for billing and coding guide.

Staying Updated: Tools and Education Resources

Continuous learning is essential in pediatric billing and coding due to evolving regulations and codes. These trusted resources help teams stay current and accurate. Reliable resources include:

 

  • AAP Pediatric Coding Resources (coding publications and webinars)

  • AAPC Pediatric Special Interest Group

  • CMS pediatric preventive care guides

  • ICD-10-CM for Pediatrics  annual update

Also consider cheat sheets, printable CPT reference guides, and apps that store favorite or frequently used codes.

The Advantages of Our Pediatric Coding and Billing Services

Accurate pediatric billing requires more than basic code entry  it demands a deep understanding of age-specific care, vaccine schedules, modifiers, and payer nuances. At SwiftMDS, we work as an extension of your team to help streamline workflows and minimize billing errors.

We specialize in pediatric billing and coding services with a focus on eliminating revenue leakage, reducing denials, and improving turnaround times. Our experts manage every stage of the billing cycle  from insurance verification and coding to claim submission and payment posting  so your team can focus on patient care.

 

Our clients benefit from:

 

  • Consistent compliance with Medicaid and Medicare requirements, including state-specific rules

  • Dedicated cost-efficiency strategies that improve both clinical and operational outcomes

  • An average revenue increase of over 20% and a 15% reduction in denials through proactive process management

Whether you’re an independent pediatrician or a growing practice, SwiftMDS helps you build a cleaner, more efficient revenue cycle backed by proven pediatric billing experience. from the original article, as it contains relevant commercial and service-specific information that supports the guide while offering conversion opportunities.

Bringing It All Into Practice

In 2025, pediatric practices face increasing complexity in billing, documentation, and compliance. A structured approach to pediatric billing and coding  backed by accurate CPT usage, thorough documentation, and ongoing training  is essential.

This pediatric billing and coding guide empowers billing teams to reduce errors, increase reimbursements, and protect revenue streams while ensuring high-quality care for young patients.

 

Need support streamlining your pediatric billing operations? Reach out to SwiftMDS for expert help with coding accuracy, denials management, and full-cycle billing services.