EasyMindCare

Crisis & Community Mental Health

H0038 HCPCS

Self-help/peer support services

System

HCPCS code

Timing

Time-based — 15-min units

Add-on

No — billable on its own

HCPCS H0038 reports self-help or peer support services, used in Medicaid behavioral health to bill peer- and self-help support.

When to use H0038

Use H0038 for peer-delivered or self-help support services in Medicaid programs. It is distinct from clinical counseling codes and from certified peer support codes some states define separately.

How to bill it

Report per the state Medicaid program’s unit definition, often per 15 minutes.

Common pitfalls

  • Assuming uniform peer support billing rules across states.
  • Confusing peer support (H0038) with clinical counseling (H0004).

Frequently asked questions

How does peer support (H0038) differ from counseling (H0004)?

H0038 is delivered by peers using lived experience; H0004 is clinical counseling and therapy delivered by a licensed provider.

Is H0038 time-based?

Many states bill peer support per 15 minutes, but the unit definition is set by each state Medicaid program—verify locally.

Related Crisis & Community Mental Health codes

H0001 HCPCS

Alcohol and/or drug assessment

View code

H0002 HCPCS

Behavioral health screening to determine eligibility for treatment

View code

H0004 HCPCS

Behavioral health counseling and therapy, per 15 minutes

View code

H0031 HCPCS

Mental health assessment, by non-physician

View code

H0005 HCPCS

Alcohol and/or drug services; group counseling by a clinician

View code

H0015 HCPCS

Alcohol and/or drug services; intensive outpatient

View code

H0034 HCPCS

Medication training and support, per 15 minutes

View code

H2011 HCPCS

Crisis intervention service, per 15 minutes

View code

Pair this code with a billing tool

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Search ICD-10-CM mental and behavioral health diagnosis codes by number or plain-language term like depression, PTSD, ADHD, or anxiety to see the description, billable status, and a clinical note.

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