Getting paid: Avoid denials with proper billing of depression screening, AWVs and E/M

Why This Topic Matters

Correctly understanding these billing relationships can help reduce denials, audit risk, and improper payment recovery while supporting accurate claim submission for wellness and preventive services.

Article Sections

1. Depression screening and annual wellness visits

   Discusses the billing relationship between depression screening and Medicare annual wellness visits, including initial and subsequent visit contexts. It also notes the role of CMS guidance in distinguishing bundled and separately reportable services.

2. G0444 and evaluation and management services

   Covers how depression screening interacts with evaluation and management services when behavioral health concerns are addressed during the same encounter. The section also references NCCI policy language about separating screening-related work from other services.

3. Related screening and counseling G-codes

   Summarizes additional screening and counseling services addressed under the same policy framework. The discussion places these services in the broader context of Medicare reporting guidance for preventive and behavioral health services.