Helpful Hints for AHLTA Coding-Tobacco Cessation

1. Helpful Hints for AHLTA Coding-Tobacco Cessation Lisa Rosenthal NMCP Outpatient Coding Supervisor

2. TOBACCO CESSATION CODING AS THE ONLY E&M SERVICE If tobacco cessation is the only service provided during the visit, the Tobacco Cessation code will be your sole E&M code. This code cannot be found in the Calculated tab; you need to select this code from the Selection tab by selecting the E&M Category of “Behavior Change Intervention, Individual”.

3. TOBACCO CESSATION CODING AS AN ADDITIONAL E&M SERVICE For tobacco cessation counseling, click on the “Add’l E&M Coding” tab. Click on the selection box for E&M Code 2 (DO NOT change E&M Code 1!). In the selection box, change the E&M Category to “Behavior Change Interventions, Individual” then select the appropriate code based on time.

4. Add modifier 25 to your primary E&M code. Save and sign your encounter from this tab. Please note: if you return to the “Calculated” tab to sign your encounter, the tobacco cessation code will not be saved. Associate your tobacco cessation service with the nicotine dependence diagnosis.