HCPCS G0442 is the Medicare annual alcohol misuse screening, covering 5 to 15 minutes. It is a preventive benefit billed once per year per patient.
When to use G0442
Use G0442 for the annual Medicare alcohol screen. If the screen is positive, brief counseling may be reported separately with G0443.
How to bill it
Report once per year, per patient, for the screening. G0442 is distinct from the SBIRT codes and from tobacco screening.
Common pitfalls
- Billing G0442 more than once per year.
- Confusing the screen (G0442) with the counseling (G0443).
Frequently asked questions
How often can G0442 be billed?
G0442 is an annual benefit and is billed once per year, per patient.
What if the patient screens positive?
Brief face-to-face counseling for alcohol misuse can be reported separately with G0443 (up to four times per year).