You Be the Coder:
Discover Where Obesity Counseling Falls
Published on Tue Jun 24, 2008
Question: The introduction for the new CPT codes 99406-99409 includes obesity, as well as tobacco, substance abuse/misuse. What scenario would be appropriate for obesity, and how would this differ from using problem E/M codes for obesity?- Maine Subscriber Answer: Yes, the guidelines mention this, but as of right now, you won't find any codes specific for obesity counseling.-You will report the counseling with either a preventive counseling code (99401-99404, Preventive medicine counseling -) or a problem service code (99201-99215, Office or other outpatient visit -) with a diagnosis of obesity (such as 278.01, Morbid obesity). This means you are evaluating and treating the obesity, not providing counseling for it.
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