Z00 Annual Physical Exam

[zamorahannah02@gmail.com]

Hi, just wanted to double-check, we're supposed to use Z00 codes for annual physical exam and annual wellness visit, right? Specifically, Z00.00 or Z00.01?

Appreciate your help!

 

[Pam Warren]

Well, 'supposed to', is unclear for AWV, since Medicare doesn't love that Z code (but they seem to be paying it). So yes, that's the code for a routine preventive visit. And since the ACA has made preventive care covered without patient co-insurance or deductible, you'll always want to code that for commercial payers (unless the note indicates otherwise).

 

[zamorahannah02@gmail.com]

Well, 'supposed to', is unclear for AWV, since Medicare doesn't love that Z code (but they seem to be paying it). So yes, that's the code for a routine preventive visit. And since the ACA has made preventive care covered without patient co-insurance or deductible, you'll always want to code that for commercial payers (unless the note indicates otherwise).

Thanks for that! I was a bit confused because some of our NPs only use Z00.00/Z00.01 for AWV, but not for Annual Physical Exams.