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Gastroenterology Coding Alert

READER QUESTIONS:

Ensure Counseling Claims With Pointed Questions

Published on Sun Jan 10, 2010

Question: Can I report alcohol cessation counseling codes along with E/M codes, or do I have to choose one or the other? Idaho Subscriber Answer: You can, and in most cases will, report counseling codes along with E/M services. The behavior change intervention codes are intended to be reported in addition to an E/M service when the provider furnishes them. Most counseling sessions occur after the provider performs some sort of E/M. Consider this case study: A new patient presents to the gastroenterologist reporting intense heartburn and "vomiting bile" for about a week. The patient's skin is a splotchy yellow, and he reports experiencing generalized fatigue "for as long as I can remember." Due to the smell of alcohol and the patient's symptoms, the physician asks the patient if he has been drinking. The patient says "Yes," so the physician decides to conduct the CAGE test to gauge alcohol abuse [...]
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