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Pediatric Coding Alert

Reader Questions:

Best Code for Pediatric Symptoms Checklist Tool

Published on Thu May 27, 2010

Question: My physicians would like a code for "pediatric symptoms checklist", which is a screening tool for mental health problems. Does CPT have a specific code for this service, or do we code an E/M service? Missouri SubscriberAnswer: Coding experts debate which code to report for a symptoms checklist, but two reasonable options include 96110 (Developmental testing; limited [e.g., Developmental Screening Test II, Early Language Milestone Screen], with interpretation and report) and 99420 (Administration and interpretation of health risk assessment instrument [e.g., health hazard appraisal]). Because of the varying opinions, discuss the issue with your insurance company.Steer clear: Coders sometimes suggest reporting the bestfitting preventive medicine counseling code from 99401-99404 (Preventive medicine counseling and/or risk factor reduction intervention[s] provided to an individual [separate procedure] ...). The preventive counseling codes are not your best choices, however, when you're coding for the administering tool instead of discussing the test. If you discuss [...]
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