Pediatric Coding Alert
Nail Down Depression Screening Code
Question: My doctors have been using 96110 for their developmental screenings as well as for depression screenings for our teens, but I do not think that is right. I did find G0444 in the code book, but Blue Cross/Blue Shield isn’t paying for that and their denial states to resubmit using an alternate code. I can’t seem to find one. Is 96110 correct after all?
Codify Subscriber
Answer: Yes, the correct code for developmental and depression screenings using standardized scorable tools is 96110 (Developmental screening, with interpretation and report, per standardized instrument form). This is supported by the American Academy of Pediatrics. Keep in mind that if there is more than one instance of 96110 done at a visit (for example, a developmental and autism screen at the 18 month visit), you should append modifier 59 (Distinct procedural service) to the second line item of 96110.
The other code that you reference (G0444, Annual depression screening, 15 minutes) is a Medicare code, and therefore most private and Medicaid payers will not reimburse you for it.
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