How To Use HCPCS Code G9949

HCPCS code G9949 describes leg pain that was not measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively. This code is used to indicate that the patient did not undergo pain assessment using these specific scales during the specified time frame.

1. What is HCPCS G9949?

HCPCS code G9949 is a specific code used in medical coding to identify leg pain that was not measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively. It is important to note that this code only pertains to leg pain and the absence of pain assessment using the VAS or numeric pain scale.

2. Official Description

The official description of HCPCS code G9949 is “Leg pain was not measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively.” The short description for this code is “Leg pain no VAS.”

3. Procedure

1. The healthcare provider should document the presence of leg pain in the patient’s medical record.
2. The provider should also note that the leg pain was not assessed using the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively.

4. When to use HCPCS code G9949

HCPCS code G9949 should be used when documenting leg pain that was not measured by the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively. It is important to ensure that the absence of pain assessment using these specific scales is clearly documented in the medical record.

5. Billing Guidelines and Documentation Requirements

When billing for HCPCS code G9949, healthcare providers should ensure that the medical record clearly indicates the presence of leg pain and the lack of assessment using the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively. This documentation is crucial for accurate billing and reimbursement purposes.

6. Historical Information and Code Maintenance

HCPCS code G9949 was added to the Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System on January 01, 2018. As of January 01, 2023, 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

The coverage for HCPCS code G9949 is determined by carrier judgment (coverage code C). It is important to check with Medicare or other insurance providers to determine if this code is payable and to understand the specific pricing and coverage guidelines.

8. Examples

Here are five examples of scenarios where HCPCS code G9949 may be used:

1. A patient undergoes leg surgery and experiences postoperative leg pain. However, the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale is not used to assess the pain at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively.
2. A patient presents with chronic leg pain, but the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale is not utilized to measure the pain at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively.
3. A patient undergoes a leg procedure, and the medical record indicates the presence of leg pain. However, the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale is not employed to assess the pain at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively.
4. A patient complains of leg pain following a surgical procedure. However, the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale is not utilized to measure the pain at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively.
5. A patient reports leg pain after a specific treatment. However, the visual analog scale (VAS) or numeric pain scale is not used to assess the pain at three months (6-20 weeks) postoperatively.