Wiki Cardiologist-billing for weight loss counseling???

[jocarter]

I have a Cardiologist who is asking about billing 99401 for 15 minutes of weight loss counseling. Documentation is clear that different weight loss methods were discussed and the effect the patient's BMI has on his conditions.... But if the physician is already billing an office visit 99212-99215, wouldn't you technically consider the weight loss counseling part of the E/M visit?

Any thoughts on this?

I'd appreciate any feedback (-:

 

[MarcusM]

http://www.bluecrossmn.com/bc/wcs/groups/bcbsmn/@mbc_bluecrossmn/documents/public/tost71a_015118.pdf
covers weight loss counseling with specific CPT codes outside the E & M codes. I do not think the cardiologist wants to "go there" with weight loss counseling and most likely should consider this time spent as part of overall counseling of the patient on cardiovascular improvement within the E & M code. Yes, weight loss will help improve cardiovascular function, but does his counseling meet the guidelines for weight loss management?