Advanced Search

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Ensure Counseling Claims With Pointed Questions

Published on Sun Jan 10, 2010

Question: Can I report alcohol cessation counseling codes along with E/M codes, or do I have to choose one or the other? Idaho Subscriber Answer: You can, and in most cases will, report counseling codes along with E/M services. The behavior change intervention codes are intended to be reported in addition to an E/M service when the provider furnishes them. Most counseling sessions occur after the provider performs some sort of E/M. Consider this case study: A new patient presents to the gastroenterologist reporting intense heartburn and "vomiting bile" for about a week. The patient's skin is a splotchy yellow, and he reports experiencing generalized fatigue "for as long as I can remember." Due to the smell of alcohol and the patient's symptoms, the physician asks the patient if he has been drinking. The patient says "Yes," so the physician decides to conduct the CAGE test to gauge alcohol abuse [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in Revenue Cycle Insider
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more

Other Articles in this issue of

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

View All