G8509 - Pain assessment was positive but no follow-up plan was documented
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 indicates that a healthcare provider conducted a pain assessment using a standardized pain measurement tool (such as a pain scale from 0-10), and the results showed that you were experiencing pain. However, the medical record shows that no follow-up plan was documented to address the identified pain, and no reason was given for why a follow-up plan wasn't created. This code is used for quality reporting purposes to track whether appropriate pain management protocols are being followed.
Additional Information
This is a reporting code used to track quality metrics related to pain management documentation, not a billable service code. It identifies a gap in documentation when pain is detected but no follow-up plan is recorded.
Category
Quality Reporting/Performance Measurement
Medical Specialty
Any specialty that performs pain assessments
Expected Costs
Your actual cost will depend on your insurance coverage, provider location, and specific circumstances.
What's Required Before This
- Prior pain assessment using standardized tool
- Positive pain assessment results
What to Expect After
- May require documentation of pain management plan
- Potential need for pain reassessment
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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