Search Search
Advanced Search

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

You Be the Coder:

Discover Where Obesity Counseling Falls

Published on Tue Jun 24, 2008

Question: The introduction for the new CPT codes 99406-99409 includes obesity, as well as tobacco, substance abuse/misuse. What scenario would be appropriate for obesity, and how would this differ from using problem E/M codes for obesity?- Maine Subscriber Answer: Yes, the guidelines mention this, but as of right now, you won't find any codes specific for obesity counseling.-You will report the counseling with either a preventive counseling code (99401-99404, Preventive medicine counseling -) or a problem service code (99201-99215, Office or other outpatient visit -) with a diagnosis of obesity (such as 278.01, Morbid obesity). This means you are evaluating and treating the obesity, not providing counseling for it.
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

Ob-Gyn Coding Alert

View All

Which Codify by AAPC tool is right for you?

Call 844-334-2816 to speak with a Codify by AAPC specialist now.