How To Use CPT Code 3725F

CPT 3725F describes the screening for depression performed in patients with dementia. This article will cover the description, procedure, qualifying circumstances, appropriate usage, documentation requirements, billing guidelines, historical information, and examples.

1. What is CPT Code 3725F?

CPT 3725F can be used to describe the screening for depression performed in patients with dementia. This code is used when a healthcare provider assesses the level of depression in a patient with dementia using reliable instruments such as the Cornell scale for depression in dementia or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9).

2. Official Description

The official description of CPT code 3725F is: ‘Screening for depression performed (DEM).’ There are no additional notes available for this code.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider assesses the patient with dementia for the presence of depression.
2. Reliable instruments such as the Cornell scale for depression in dementia or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9) are used to evaluate the patient’s depressive symptoms.
3. The provider documents the screening for depression and the date of the screening in the patient’s healthcare record.

4. Qualifying circumstances

CPT code 3725F is used when a healthcare provider performs a depression screening in a patient of any age with dementia. The screening is done to assess the presence of depressive symptoms such as irritability, sadness, loss of interest, mood variation, appetite loss, lack of energy, delusion, or suicidal attempts.

5. When to use CPT code 3725F

CPT code 3725F should be used when a healthcare provider performs a depression screening in a patient with dementia. It is important to note that this code should be reported at least once within a 12-month period.

6. Documentation requirements

To support a claim for CPT code 3725F, the healthcare provider must document the following information:

• The screening for depression performed in the patient with dementia
• The date of the screening
• The reliable instruments used for the assessment, such as the Cornell scale for depression in dementia or the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9)
• The presence or absence of depressive symptoms
• Any additional relevant information related to the screening

7. Billing guidelines

When billing for CPT code 3725F, ensure that the screening is performed in a patient with dementia. There are no specific guidelines regarding reporting this code with other codes. However, it is important to follow the general coding guidelines and ensure accurate and complete documentation to support the claim.

8. Historical information

CPT code 3725F was added to the Current Procedural Terminology system on January 1, 2012. There have been no updates to the code since its addition.

9. Examples

1. A healthcare provider performs a depression screening in a patient with dementia using the Cornell scale for depression in dementia.
2. A healthcare provider assesses the level of depression in a patient with dementia using the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ9).
3. A healthcare provider screens a patient with dementia for the presence of depressive symptoms such as irritability, sadness, or loss of interest.
4. A healthcare provider evaluates a patient with dementia for signs of depression, including mood variation, appetite loss, lack of energy, delusion, or suicidal attempts.
5. A healthcare provider documents the screening for depression in a patient with dementia, noting the date and the reliable instrument used for the assessment.
6. A healthcare provider performs a depression screening in a patient with dementia, recording the presence or absence of depressive symptoms.
7. A healthcare provider screens a patient with dementia for depressive symptoms, including irritability, sadness, or loss of interest.
8. A healthcare provider assesses the level of depression in a patient with dementia, using the Cornell scale for depression in dementia as a reliable instrument.
9. A healthcare provider evaluates a patient with dementia for signs of depression, such as mood variation, appetite loss, or lack of energy.
10. A healthcare provider documents the screening for depression in a patient with dementia, including the reliable instrument used and any additional relevant information.