The IPPE code is G0402 and is a once-in-a-lifetime benefit payable only during the first 12 months of the Medicare Part B effective date. Any provider can do this & bill it, as long as documentation guidelines are met. Verfication can be done with your patient &/or the previous medical providers. I don't believe Medicare will tell you if another provider has billed this out.
The Initial AWV, G0438, is also a once-in-a-lifetime benefit, payable only after the patient has had Part B for more than a year. Again, verification can be done with your patient &/or the previous medical providers. If the patient truly has not had a physical within the past year, and you get a denial on the G0438, then it may be that you need to resubmit your claim with a G0439 code instead. The G0439 code covers all subsequent physicals and is an annual benefit.
Does that help? I don't have any personal experience billing out the G0438 & G0439 codes yet (duh)--the above information is what I've gathered from a Coding Alert article.
Becky, CPC