Reader Question: Avoid 99381-99387 Alone for Biometric Coding

Why This Topic Matters

Biometric screening and wellness visits are often confused in payer billing workflows, so understanding the distinction affects claim accuracy, documentation, and denial risk. The article is useful for anyone responsible for preventive medicine coding or for submitting services that may require unlisted procedure handling.

Article Sections

1. Question

   The reader asks about insurer expectations for biometric screening and whether preventive medicine or counseling-oriented CPT categories are the right fit.

2. Answer

   The response discusses the broad preventive medicine coding approach for biometric screening and introduces the use of an unlisted preventive medicine service when a standard code is not represented.

3. Unlisted code reporting guidance

   This section covers general submission and documentation considerations for claims that use an unlisted procedure code, including payer review and supporting materials.