How To Use HCPCS Code G8980

HCPCS code G8980 describes the functional limitation of mobility, specifically related to walking and moving around. This code is used to indicate the discharge status of a patient at the time of discharge from therapy or to end reporting. It is important for medical coders to understand the meaning and usage of this code to ensure accurate documentation and billing.

1. What is HCPCS G8980?

HCPCS code G8980 is used to identify the functional limitation of mobility, specifically related to walking and moving around. It indicates the discharge status of a patient at the time of discharge from therapy or to end reporting. This code helps to capture the level of mobility impairment a patient may have and is important for tracking progress and determining appropriate treatment plans.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code G8980 is “Mobility: walking & moving around functional limitation, discharge status, at discharge from therapy or to end reporting.” The short description for this code is “Mobility d/c status.”

3. Procedure

1. During the patient’s therapy or treatment, the healthcare provider assesses the patient’s mobility and functional limitation related to walking and moving around.
2. At the time of discharge from therapy or to end reporting, the provider determines the patient’s mobility status and documents it in the medical record.
3. The provider assigns HCPCS code G8980 to indicate the patient’s mobility discharge status.

4. When to use HCPCS code G8980

HCPCS code G8980 should be used when documenting the discharge status of a patient’s mobility at the end of therapy or reporting. It is important to accurately capture the patient’s functional limitation related to walking and moving around to ensure appropriate treatment planning and follow-up care.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code G8980, healthcare providers need to ensure proper documentation of the patient’s mobility status at the time of discharge. This includes detailed information about the functional limitation related to walking and moving around. The medical record should clearly indicate the patient’s mobility discharge status to support the use of this code.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code G8980 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 1, 2013. It has an effective date of January 1, 2020, and was terminated on December 31, 2019. The termination of this code means that it is no longer valid for use in reporting or billing purposes.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

HCPCS code G8980 may be covered by Medicare and other insurance providers. The pricing indicator code for this code is 00, which indicates that the service is not separately priced by Part B. This means that the service may be bundled or not covered by Medicare. It is important to check with the specific insurance provider for coverage and reimbursement details.

8. Examples

Here are some examples of when HCPCS code G8980 should be billed:

1. A patient undergoes physical therapy for a leg injury. At the end of the therapy sessions, the provider assesses the patient’s mobility and determines that there is still a functional limitation related to walking and moving around. HCPCS code G8980 is assigned to indicate the patient’s mobility discharge status.
2. Following a stroke, a patient receives occupational therapy to improve their mobility and ability to walk. At the end of the therapy, the provider evaluates the patient’s progress and determines that there is no longer a functional limitation related to walking and moving around. HCPCS code G8980 is not assigned in this case.
3. A patient with a chronic condition undergoes physical therapy to manage their mobility impairment. At the end of the therapy, the provider assesses the patient’s mobility and determines that there is still a functional limitation related to walking and moving around. HCPCS code G8980 is assigned to indicate the patient’s mobility discharge status.
4. During a follow-up visit after surgery, the provider assesses the patient’s mobility and determines that there is no functional limitation related to walking and moving around. HCPCS code G8980 is not assigned in this case.
5. A patient receives physical therapy for a musculoskeletal injury. At the end of the therapy, the provider assesses the patient’s mobility and determines that there is still a functional limitation related to walking and moving around. HCPCS code G8980 is assigned to indicate the patient’s mobility discharge status.