How To Use HCPCS Code G9944

HCPCS code G9944 describes the measurement of back pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) within three months before a surgical procedure and at one year (9 to 15 months) after the procedure. This code is used to document the level of back pain experienced by a patient before and after a specific surgical intervention.

1. What is HCPCS G9944?

HCPCS code G9944 is a specific code used to identify the measurement of back pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) within a specific timeframe before and after a surgical procedure. It provides a standardized way to document and track the level of back pain experienced by a patient, allowing healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of the surgical intervention.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code G9944 is “Back pain was measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) within three months preoperatively and at one year (9 to 15 months) postoperatively.” This description clearly states the purpose of the code and the specific timeframe in which the back pain measurement should be conducted.

3. Procedure

1. Before the surgical procedure, the healthcare provider should administer the visual analog scale (VAS) to the patient to measure their level of back pain.
2. The VAS is a subjective pain assessment tool that consists of a horizontal line with anchor points representing “no pain” on one end and “worst pain imaginable” on the other end.
3. The patient is asked to mark on the line the point that best represents their level of back pain.
4. The healthcare provider should record the measurement obtained from the VAS within three months before the surgical procedure.
5. After the surgical procedure, at one year (9 to 15 months) postoperatively, the healthcare provider should again administer the VAS to the patient to measure their level of back pain.
6. The patient’s response should be recorded and compared to the preoperative measurement to assess the effectiveness of the surgical intervention in reducing back pain.

4. When to use HCPCS code G9944

HCPCS code G9944 should be used when documenting the measurement of back pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) within three months before a surgical procedure and at one year (9 to 15 months) after the procedure. It is important to use this code accurately and only in the specified context to ensure proper documentation and tracking of back pain levels.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code G9944, healthcare providers should ensure that the following documentation requirements are met:

• Record the measurement obtained from the visual analog scale (VAS) within three months before the surgical procedure.
• Record the measurement obtained from the VAS at one year (9 to 15 months) postoperatively.
• Include any additional relevant information or notes regarding the back pain measurement and the surgical intervention.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code G9944 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 2018. It has an effective date of January 01, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, this code has been terminated. The termination of this code means that it is no longer valid for use in medical coding and billing.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

The coverage and pricing of HCPCS code G9944 may vary depending on the specific insurance provider. It is important to consult the Medicare or insurance guidelines to determine if this code is payable and how it is priced. The pricing indicator code for this code is 00, which indicates that the service is not separately priced by Part B. The multiple pricing indicator code is 9, which means that the value is not established or the code is not priced separately by Part B.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of when HCPCS code G9944 should be billed:

1. A patient undergoes a spinal fusion surgery, and their back pain is measured using the visual analog scale (VAS) within three months before the procedure and at one year postoperatively.
2. A patient receives a minimally invasive back surgery, and their back pain is measured using the VAS within three months before the surgery and at one year postoperatively.
3. A patient undergoes a laminectomy procedure, and their back pain is measured using the VAS within three months before the surgery and at one year postoperatively.
4. A patient undergoes a discectomy surgery, and their back pain is measured using the VAS within three months before the procedure and at one year postoperatively.
5. A patient receives a spinal decompression surgery, and their back pain is measured using the VAS within three months before the surgery and at one year postoperatively.