Pediatric Coding Alert

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 Subscriber

Answer: 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 and then administer the test but don't complete other E/M services during the same visit, a choice from the 99401 series could be appropriate.