How To Use HCPCS Code G8998

HCPCS code G8998 describes the swallowing functional limitation discharge status at discharge from therapy or to end reporting. This code is used to indicate the functional limitation related to swallowing that a patient has at the time of discharge from therapy or when reporting is completed.

1. What is HCPCS G8998?

HCPCS code G8998 is a specific code used in medical coding to identify the swallowing functional limitation discharge status. It is important to note that this code is only applicable at the time of discharge from therapy or when reporting is completed. It provides information about the patient’s swallowing function and any limitations that may be present.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code G8998 is “Swallowing functional limitation, discharge status, at discharge from therapy or to end reporting.” The short description for this code is “Swallow d/c status.”

3. Procedure

1. During the patient’s therapy or treatment, the healthcare provider assesses the patient’s swallowing function.
2. If a functional limitation is identified, it is documented in the patient’s medical records.
3. At the time of discharge from therapy or when reporting is completed, the provider assigns HCPCS code G8998 to indicate the patient’s swallowing functional limitation discharge status.

4. When to use HCPCS code G8998

HCPCS code G8998 should be used when a patient has a swallowing functional limitation at the time of discharge from therapy or when reporting is completed. It is important to accurately document and code this information to provide a comprehensive picture of the patient’s condition and treatment progress.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code G8998, healthcare providers need to ensure that the patient’s medical records clearly document the swallowing functional limitation at the time of discharge from therapy or when reporting is completed. This documentation should include details about the nature and severity of the limitation.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code G8998 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 1, 2013. It has a pricing indicator code of 00, which means that the service is not separately priced by Part B. There have been no maintenance actions taken for this code, as indicated by the action code N, which means no maintenance for this code.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

Medicare and other insurance providers may cover the services related to swallowing functional limitation discharge status, as indicated by the coverage code C, which stands for Carrier judgment. However, it is important to check with the specific insurance provider for their coverage policies and guidelines.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of when HCPCS code G8998 should be billed:

1. A patient undergoes therapy for a swallowing disorder and is discharged with a functional limitation in swallowing.
2. A patient completes a reporting period for therapy focused on improving swallowing function and is found to have a persistent functional limitation.
3. A patient with a history of swallowing difficulties receives therapy to improve swallowing function and is discharged with a functional limitation.
4. A patient completes a reporting period for therapy targeting swallowing function and is still experiencing a functional limitation at the end of the reporting period.
5. A patient receives therapy for a swallowing disorder and is discharged with a functional limitation in swallowing, which is documented in the medical records.