How To Use HCPCS Code G9947

HCPCS code G9947 describes the measurement of leg pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) within three months before and after a surgical procedure. This code is used to document the level of leg pain experienced by a patient before and after the surgery, allowing healthcare providers to assess the effectiveness of the procedure in alleviating the pain.

1. What is HCPCS G9947?

HCPCS code G9947 is a specific code used in medical coding to identify the measurement of leg pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) within a specific timeframe. It is important to note that this code is only applicable for leg pain assessment and should not be used for other types of pain or conditions.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code G9947 is “Leg pain was measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) within three months preoperatively and at three months (6 to 20 weeks) postoperatively.” This description clearly outlines the purpose of the code, which is to measure leg pain using the VAS before and after a surgical procedure.

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider will administer the visual analog scale (VAS) to the patient within three months before the surgical procedure.
2. The VAS is a measurement tool that allows the patient to rate their level of leg pain on a scale from 0 to 10, with 0 indicating no pain and 10 indicating the worst possible pain.
3. The patient will be asked to mark a point on the VAS that corresponds to their perceived level of leg pain.
4. The healthcare provider will record the patient’s VAS score in the medical documentation.
5. After the surgical procedure, within three months (6 to 20 weeks), the healthcare provider will administer the VAS to the patient again to measure their postoperative leg pain.
6. The patient will rate their level of leg pain on the VAS, and the healthcare provider will record the score in the medical documentation.

4. When to use HCPCS code G9947

HCPCS code G9947 should be used when documenting the measurement of leg pain using the visual analog scale (VAS) within three months before and after a surgical procedure. It is important to ensure that the code is used accurately and only for leg pain assessment, as using it for other types of pain or conditions would be incorrect.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code G9947, healthcare providers need to ensure that the medical documentation includes the following:

• Date of leg pain measurement using the VAS before the surgical procedure
• VAS score recorded for the preoperative leg pain
• Date of leg pain measurement using the VAS after the surgical procedure
• VAS score recorded for the postoperative leg pain

These details are crucial for accurate billing and reimbursement purposes.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code G9947 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 1, 2018. It has an effective date of January 1, 2020. As of December 31, 2019, this code has been terminated and is no longer in use. The termination of this code indicates that it is no longer valid for billing or reimbursement purposes.

7. Medicare and Insurance Coverage

Medicare and other insurance providers may have specific coverage policies for HCPCS code G9947. It is important to check with the respective payers to determine if this code is payable and to understand any specific requirements or guidelines for reimbursement.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of scenarios where HCPCS code G9947 would be used:

1. A patient undergoes a knee replacement surgery, and their leg pain is measured using the VAS before the procedure and at the three-month follow-up appointment.
2. A patient undergoes a spinal fusion surgery, and their leg pain is assessed using the VAS before the surgery and at the three-month postoperative visit.
3. A patient undergoes a hip arthroscopy, and their leg pain is documented using the VAS before the procedure and at the three-month follow-up.
4. A patient undergoes a varicose vein removal surgery, and their leg pain is measured using the VAS before the surgery and at the three-month postoperative check-up.
5. A patient undergoes a foot reconstruction surgery, and their leg pain is assessed using the VAS before the procedure and at the three-month follow-up appointment.