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Pulmonology Coding Alert

Reader Question:

Remember Tobacco-Use Cessation Counseling Criteria

Published on Sun Feb 26, 2012

Question: How do we bill for counseling for smoking cessation? If so, what codes are being used? What are the criteria that are used to determine coverage? New York SubscriberAnswer: CMS provides coverage for smoking and any other tobacco-use cessation counseling. Earlier, only beneficiaries who were diagnosed with a tobacco-related condition or those with symptoms of a tobacco-related condition were covered. However, from Aug. 25, 2010, the tobacco-use cessation counseling has been extended even to people who are not currently showing any signs or symptoms of any tobacco-related condition.The coverage for counseling includes two attempts at cessation. In each attempt, only four counseling sessions will be covered. So, in one year, a total of eight sessions will be covered. Once a person receives a total of eight sessions in the period of one year (365 days), another round of counseling can be taken up only after a 12 month interim [...]
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