HCPCS Code G8510: Screening for Depression Is Documented as Negative; A Follow-Up Plan Not Required

Learn how to properly use and bill for HCPCS code G8510 with our short guide that has a list of documentation and billing requirements.

Use Code

## **What is HCPCS code G8510?** HCPCS code G8510 represents a billing code for when a screening for depression is documented as negative, and a follow up plan is not required. This code for screening is maintained by CMS falls under Additional Quality Measures. It is used in clinical documentation and insurance claims to indicate that a standardized depression screening tool was used, the patient did not screen positive for clinical depression, and therefore, no further follow-up or intervention plan is needed. The use of this specific code helps in quality reporting and ensures proper documentation of mental health screening assessments on mom's and other patients aged 12 years and older during eligible encounters, including during a Medicare Annual Wellness Exam. This code allows providers to demonstrate compliance with preventive care measures related to depression without necessitating additional care steps following a negative result. It is part of a set of HCPCS codes focused on depression screening, which also includes codes for positive screenings and follow-up plans. This coding facilitates Medicare and other insurers in tracking and reimbursing post partum depression screening and general screening assessments services.

## **HCPCS code G8510 documentation requirements** HCPCS code G8510 documentation requirements include the following key points: - The screening for depression must be documented as negative, indicating no signs of clinical depression were found during the encounter. - A follow up plan is not required and therefore not documented - The screening must be performed using an age-appropriate standardized depression screening tool (e.g., PHQ-9, Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale for partum depression screening assessments). - Documentation must show that the depression is documented and was reviewed on the date of the encounter by the provider filing the code. - The screening should occur in the provider's office during the eligible encounter and cannot be performed over the phone. - Patients must be age 12 years or older to qualify for this measure. - The medical record should indicate the name of the screening tool used - If applicable, patient or medical exclusions (e.g., bipolar disorder, emergent situations) must be documented to indicate patient eligibility status. Following these requirements ensures proper use of code G8510 for screening and accurate quality measure reporting.

## **HCPCS code G8510 billing requirements** HCPCS code G8510 billing requirements include the following: - It should be billed only when a depression screening is performed and documented as negative, and a follow up plan is not needed. - The code is used as part of quality measure reporting under programs. - It must be submitted at least once per measurement period for eligible patients aged 12 years and older who are seen during that period - Documentation supporting the use of HCPCS code G8510 must accompany the claim, including use of an approved standardized screening assessments tool and evidence that the screen was reviewed. - This code is often billed alongside evaluation and management (E/M) codes but does not replace those codes.

## **Other relevant codes** Other relevant HCPCS codes related to G8510 for depression screening include: - **G8431**: Screening for clinical depression documented as positive, and a follow-up plan is documented. This code complements G8510 by capturing cases where further care is required due to a positive screen. - **G8433**: Screening for clinical depression not completed, with documentation explaining the patient or medical reason - **G8432**: Depression screening not documented, reason not given - **G8511**: Screening for depression documented as positive, but a follow-up plan is not documented, reason not given