Reader Question: Avoid Reporting Both 99385 and 99402

Why This Topic Matters

The article helps distinguish when counseling is considered part of a preventive medicine service versus when a separate counseling service may be considered, which can affect code selection and claim handling.

Article Sections

1. Question

   The submitting scenario describes an adult female preventive visit, counseling time, and a question about whether two services may be billed together.

2. Answer

   The response addresses the preventive medicine service at issue, references the relevant CPT framework, and notes when a separate counseling service may be considered. It also mentions an alternative E/M approach in a different documentation scenario.