96110, 96127, and 96161

[stephmescher]

Needing help with locating coding guidelines for the 96110-develpomental screen and the 96127-emotional/behavioral screen. Is there an age range for the 96110? If a 12-18 year old patient comes in for a preventive visit and we do the PHQ-2 for are we able to bill the 96127 or does it have to be the PHQ-9? If that screen would come back positive and the Clinician prescribes a medication and requests a 2 month follow up, are we able to "screen" again to see how patient is tolerating treatment or will this be included in the E/M and not separately reportable? Does the 96127 have an age range?
If we are seeing a newborn and we are screening Mom for postpartum depression, should we be billing the 96127 or 96161 and placing this charge on the baby encounter?

Any information is appreciated.
Thanks
Steph Mescher

 

[MissaBrownlow]

96127, 96110, 96160

It is my understanding that you cannot charge for the PHQ 2 only the PHQ 9.
The 96110 (MChat) is for children up to age 5. Otherwise you can still use it through adolescence.
96127 Does not have an age range check the mother you would charge to the baby's encounter using screening code.
If the PHQ 9 is positive and the patient is given medication and requested to return, the next visit should have a regular Diagnosis vs screening diagnosis. Once the patient has the condition it is no longer a screening, but an evaluation tool to indicate if the medication is working.