HCPCS Code G0446 (IBT for CVD) | Description, Procedure & Guidelines

G0446 covers annual face-to-face behavioral therapy for individuals with cardiovascular disease (IBT for CVD). Below are the description, procedure, and billing guidelines for this HCPCS code.

1. What Is HCPCS Code G0446?

Report HCPCS code G0446 when the provider conducts an annual intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease individually and in person with a patient. The duration of the counseling is 15 minutes.

2. Description

The HCPCS book describes G0446 as: “Annual, face-to-face intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease, individual, 15 minutes.”

3. Procedure

During the G0446 procedure, the provider individually renders intensive behavioral therapy for cardiovascular disease with a patient in person.

The provider encourages the use of aspirin for primary prevention in men aged 45 to 79 years and women of 55 to 79 years at risk.

They also encourage high blood pressure screening for patients 18 years of age and above.

Counseling regarding a healthy diet is also helpful in individuals with high-fat content in the blood or hyperlipidemia, hypertension, and another risk factor for heart disease as well as with advanced age.

4. Billing Guidelines

The therapy may include a five-aspect approach of assessing, advising, agreeing, assisting, and arranging to help the patient to achieve the goal. The service is time-based, and the provider spends 15 minutes interacting with the patient.

The provider who offers the service is typically a qualified practitioner in a primary care setting.

G0446 is covered by CMS once a year. This code is included in the Integrated Outpatient Code Editor (IOCE) and Medicare’s Physician Fee Schedule Database (MPFSDB).

5. Resources

https://www.cms.gov/regulations-and-guidance/guidance/manuals/downloads/clm104c18pdf.pdf