Medicare Blog

how to code a welcome to medicare physical

by Ettie Gerlach Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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Though the diagnosis code (ICD-9 code) for the exam is V70.0 (general physical exam), the CPT code for the visit is not the wellness-exam code range used by every other insurance plan – the 99381-99397 codes. Instead, it is billed with a Medicare-only code, G0402 for the initial Welcome To Medicare exam.

Three Unique Codes: G0402, G0438, and G0439
During the first twelve months a patient is enrolled in Medicare, they are eligible for the Welcome to Medicare Visit.
Jan 22, 2020

Full Answer

What is the billing code for Welcome to Medicare?

  • Copayment/coinsurance applies
  • Deductible waived G0402 on or after 01/01/11:
  • Copayment/coinsurance waived
  • Deductible waived G0403, G0404, G0405:
  • Copayment/coinsurance applies
  • Deductible applies

What is the CPT code for Welcome to Medicare visit?

The first service we’ll review is the Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE), which is commonly referred to as the “Welcome to Medicare” exam. Keep in mind that a beneficiary is only eligible for this service (CPT code G0402*) within the first 12 months of the Part B effective date and that it is covered only once per lifetime.

How often can you get a physical on Medicare?

for longer than 12 months, you can get a yearly “Wellness” visit once every 12 months to develop or update a personalized prevention plan to help prevent disease and disability, based on your current health and risk factors. The yearly “Wellness” visit isn’t a physical exam.

What does welcome to Medicare mean?

“Welcome to Medicare” package (not automatically enrolled) What is it? This welcome package is the first mail you'll get from Medicare. It includes a letter, booklet, and Medicare card. The booklet explains important decisions you need to make now that you have Medicare. It's sent to people who: Go to Social Security to sign up for Medicare

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What is CPT code for Welcome to Medicare physical?

How to avoid Medicare annual wellness visit denialsIPPE (Welcome to Medicare, G0402)Initial AWV (G0438)Required physical exam componentsHeight, weight, body mass index (BMI), blood pressure (BP), visual acuity screening (w/ documentation)Height, weight, BMI, and BP (visual acuity screen not required)5 more rows•Feb 4, 2021

What is the ICD 10 code for Welcome to Medicare exam?

Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) Preventive codes: G0402 Welcome to Medicare Exam, a once-in-a-lifetime benefit covered within the first 12 months of a patient's Medicare Part B enrollment; also known as the Initial Preventive Physical Exam. Sequence the appropriate Z code from above as the primary diagnosis code.

What are the correct codes to report to Medicare for the Welcome to Medicare preventive physical exam Ippe and the routine ECG?

Coding procedure code G0402: Initial Preventive Physical Examination; face-to-face visit, services limited to a new patient during the first 12 months of Medicare enrollment. The screening EKG/ ECG is billable with HCPCS code(s) G0403,G0404, or G0405, when it is a result of a referral from an IPPE.

Does Medicare cover CPT code 99397?

A full physical 99397 or 99387 is NOT covered by Medicare and patients are responsible for the cost and can be billed. Some secondary insurance companies may cover the full physical exam, which helps beneficiaries.

How do you bill for a physical exam?

There are right and wrong ways to code these exams. If you perform a comprehensive physical, choose a procedure code from the Preventive Medicine codes CPT 99381-99387 for a new patient, or CPT 99391-99397 for an established patient, and select the code based on the patient's age.

What is the ICD 10 code for physical exam?

Z00.00ICD-10 Code for Encounter for general adult medical examination without abnormal findings- Z00. 00- Codify by AAPC.

What is the difference between Welcome to Medicare and Annual Wellness Visit?

Keep in mind that the AWV is not a head-to-toe physical. Also, this service is similar to but separate from the one-time Welcome to Medicare preventive visit. Medicare Part B covers the Annual Wellness Visit if: You have had Part B for over 12 months.

What is included in Welcome to Medicare visit?

This visit includes a review of your medical and social history related to your health. It also includes education and counseling about preventive services, including these: Certain screenings, flu and pneumococcal shots, and referrals for other care, if needed. Height, weight, and blood pressure measurements.

What is the difference between a Medicare wellness exam and a physical?

There is a difference between an “annual wellness visit” and an “annual physical exam.” One is focused more on preventing disease and disability, while the other is more focused on checking your current overall health.

Can I bill G0439 and 99397 together?

No you cannot bill the AWV with the preventive visit. You can bill the AWV with a separate E/M.

Does CPT code 99397 need a modifier?

The modifier 25 may use for billing and reimbursement of 99397 CTP code.

What is a GY modifier used for?

The GY modifier must be used when physicians, practitioners, or suppliers want to indicate that the item or service is statutorily non-covered or is not a Medicare benefit.

How long does it take to get a Medicare physical?

The “Welcome to Medicare” physical only takes place during the initial 12 months of enrolling. It is a one-time health assessment. After someone has had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months, they can have an AWV each year. During these visits, the person will complete a “Health Risk Assessment” test.

When does Medicare welcome visit take place?

The “Welcome to Medicare” visit takes place during the first year of a person’s Medicare coverage. It offers the individual an opportunity to discuss their state of health with their doctor and create a preventive healthcare plan.

Can a doctor check blood pressure for Medicare?

Share on Pinterest. A doctor may measure blood pressure as part of a ‘Welcome to Medicare’ physical. When a person enrolls in Medicare Part B, they have the option of scheduling a “Welcome to Medicare” physical checkup. This health check is optional and can take place at any time during the initial 12 months of joining Medicare.

Does Medicare cover a physical?

This health check is optional and can take place at any time during the initial 12 months of joining Medicare. The “Welcome to Medicare” physical is not the same as a detailed annual physical exam. Medicare parts A and B do not cover this kind of health service. The “Welcome to Medicare” physical allows a person to meet with their primary care ...

Does Medicare cover screening tests?

Medicare may also cover routine vaccinations, certain screening tests, and other preventive measures. The information on this website may assist you in making personal decisions about insurance, but it is not intended to provide advice regarding the purchase or use of any insurance or insurance products.

How many preventive services are covered by Medicare?

There are now 11 preventive services authorized under Medicare Part B. Other covered preventive that are performed may be billed in addition to HCPCS code G0402 and the appropriate EKG G-code (influenza vaccine, mammogram, ect.) Performance and interpretation of an electrocardiogram.

Is IPPE a routine checkup?

The IPPE is a preventive physical examination and is not a “routine head to toe physical checkup” The goals of this benefit are health promotion and disease detection and include education, counseling, and referral for other screening and preventive services also covered under Medicare Part B. The IPPE is best furnished to a patient ...

What is the Medicare visit code?

In addition to the primary visit codes (G0402, G0438, and G0439) , a select list of other codes may be billed for services performed during a Welcome to Medicare Visit or Annual Wellness Visit. When using any of these codes, a separate note is required to support each rendered service.

What is Medicare wellness visit?

Medicare preventive wellness visits fall into three categories; the Welcome to Medicare Visit, also known as the Initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE), the initial Annual Wellness Visit, and subsequent Annual Wellness Visits. Each has its own Current Procedural Terminology code that must be used in the right circumstances and proper order.

What is CPT G0439?

CPT G0439 is used to code all subsequent Annual Wellness Visits that occur after the initial Annual Wellness Visit (G0438). So, if used correctly, G0439 would not be used until G0402 was used to code the IPPE, and G0438 was used to code the initial AWV. In the case that an IPPE was never completed, G0439 would still be used for any subsequent ...

What is the AWV code for IPPE?

An AWV is similar to the IPPE but includes slightly different required and accepted screenings. This initial AWV must be coded using G0438.

What is a G0513 code?

G0513 and G0514 are 'prolonged preventive service codes' that can be used when a service takes 30 minutes (G0513) or 60+ minutes (G0514) past the typical duration of the service.

What is the difference between G0438 and G0439?

As a result, the G0438 code is reimbursed at a rate that is nearly 50% higher than G0439. So if a medical practice regularly misses using the G0438 code for an initial Medicare Annual Wellness Visit and uses G0439 instead, it could mean a significant loss of revenue.

What is the HCPCS code for a wellness visit?

This exam is billed using HCPCS code G0402. An Annual Wellness Visit code of G0438 should not be used — and will be denied — because the patient is eligible for the Welcome to Medicare visit during the first year of enrollment. For more information on the Welcome to Medicare visit go-to CMS.

What is annual wellness visit?

Annual Wellness visit, including a personalized prevention plan of service (PPPS), subsequent visit. Annual Wellness Visits can be for either new or established patients as the code does not differentiate.

Is 99397 covered by Medicare?

Preventative Medicine codes 99387 and 99397, better known to offices as Complete Physical Exams or Well Checks for 65 and older, still remain a non-covered, routine service from Medicare. The Well Woman Exam codes G0101 and Q0091 are covered services.

When do you have to have a welcome to Medicare physical?

What is the Welcome to Medicare Physical? When you go on Medicare, you have the opportunity, within the first 12 months, to have a Welcome to Medicare physical. Although many do not know about this or take advantage of it, it is important and completely covered by Medicare.

What is the number to call for Medicare physical?

If you have any questions about the Welcome to Medicare physical, or anything else regarding Medicare or Medigap plans, you can contact us to get more information or call us at 877.506.3378.

Can you have a preventive care visit with Medicare?

If it has been more than 12 months since you started Part B, don’t worry, you can still have a preventive care visit through Medicare’s annual wellness visits. This is another way to accomplish to same thing that the Welcome to Medicare visit does.

Does Medicare cover preventive screenings?

Additionally, other preventive screenings that you may want would typically need to be scheduled separately. Medicare does cover most preventive care now, though, so this is definitely advisable.

What is routine physical exam?

Routine Physical Exam. Exam performed without relationship to treatment or diagnosis for a specific illness, symptom, complaint, or injury. ✘ Not covered by Medicare; prohibited by statute, however, the IPPE, AWV, or other Medicare benefits cover some elements of a routine physical. ✘ Patient pays 100% out-of-pocket.

What is an IPPE in Medicare?

Initial Preventive Physical Examination (IPPE) The IPPE, known as the “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visit, promotes good health through disease prevention and detection. Medicare pays for 1 patient IPPE per lifetime not later than the first 12 months after the patient’s Medicare Part B benefits eligibility date.

How long does Medicare cover AWV?

Medicare covers an AWV for all patients who aren’t within 12 months after the eligibility date for their first Medicare Part B benefit period and who didn’t have an IPPE or an AWV within the past 12 months. Medicare pays for only 1 IPPE per patient per lifetime and 1 additional AWV per year thereafter.

How many times can you report ACP?

There are no limits on the number of times you can report ACP for a certain patient in a certain time period. When billing this patient service multiple times, document the change in the patient’s health status and/or wishes regarding their end-of-life care. Preparing Eligible Medicare Patients for the AWV.

Does Medicare waive ACP deductible?

Medicare waives the ACP deductible and coinsurance once per year when billed with the AWV. If the AWV billed with ACP is denied for exceeding the once-per-year limit, Medicare will apply the ACP deductible and coinsurance. The deductible and coinsurance apply when you deliver the ACP outside of the covered AWV.

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