G0446 - Annual face-to-face behavioral therapy session for heart disease prevention (15 minutes)
Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System
What is a HCPCS Code?
HCPCS (Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System) codes are used to identify medical procedures, supplies, and services for billing purposes. These codes help standardize how healthcare services are reported and billed across different providers and insurance companies.
Detailed Description
This code represents a 15-minute, one-on-one counseling session with a healthcare provider focused on behavioral therapy for cardiovascular (heart) disease prevention. This is an annual service where you meet face-to-face with a qualified healthcare professional who helps you develop and maintain healthy behaviors to reduce your risk of heart disease. The session typically covers topics like diet modification, exercise planning, stress management, smoking cessation, and other lifestyle changes that can improve your heart health.
Additional Information
This is a preventive service focused on behavior modification to reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Coverage and frequency may vary by insurance plan. The 15-minute duration refers to the minimum time requirement for this specific billing code.
Category
Preventive Care/Behavioral Health
Medical Specialty
Primary Care, Cardiology, or Behavioral Health
Expected Costs
Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Must be an annual service
- Requires face-to-face interaction with qualified provider
- Individual session (not group therapy)
What to Expect After
- May include follow-up sessions if recommended by provider
- Implementation of discussed behavioral changes
- Monitoring of cardiovascular risk factors
Why Understanding This Code Matters
On Your Medical Bill
This code appears on your medical bills to identify the specific service, procedure, drug, or medical diagnosis you received. Understanding what it means helps you verify you're being charged correctly and know what to expect.
For Your Health
Knowing what this code represents helps you understand your treatment plan, ask better questions during appointments, and track your healthcare journey more effectively.
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