Although it has only been around since January of last year, CPT Code 96127 has been attracting a lot of attention as of late. Some clinicians are just now finding out that CPT Code 96127 may be used to report brief behavioral or emotional assessments for reimbursement. And what does this mean for mental healthcare providers? It means more generated revenue from each patient that walks through the door!
It can be a bit tricky how exactly to bill for CPT Code 96127, and then how and by whom it will be reimbursed. Enough inquiries have arisen that we decided to create a guide answering all of the tough questions that this new billing code has brought to light. Please feel free to check out “How to Increase Revenue with the NEW Behavioral or Emotional Assessment CPT Code 96127”.
However, a lot of clinicians are wondering just what types of screenings and assessments can be billed under CPT Code 96127. It’s also good to know just how these particular tools function, and which disorders they may be used to evaluate.
Mentegram’s library of online instruments is vast and thorough, boasting surveys, sliding scale evaluations, questionnaires, daily journals and information sheets… just to name a few. Let’s take a brief look at the most popular tools that can have you assessing patients who are at risk of mental illness, as well as generating additional revenue, totaling up to $24 per patient for each visit.
Screening Instruments
Mentegram’s library includes an array of questionnaires to assess mental health conditions. Health questionnaires can serve as very informative tools that can provide very unique perspectives regarding the patient’s individual emotional and behavioral needs. By simply responding to a series of prompts, the patient may provide valuable information that will assist the healthcare provider with determining future treatments.
Public-domain instruments in the Mentegram library include PHQ-9, PHQ-A and GAD-7. We also can digitize licensed instruments, such as the DSM-5 screeners, DASS and much, much more.
The PHQ-9 is an excellent example of how screening instrument can be utilized for billing under CPT Code 96127. This instrument offers multiple choice questions that can help in assessing a patient’s reaction or lack of attention toward things in their regular life, such as daily activities, sleep patterns, lack of energy and overall appetite. The information provided may assist clinicians in deciding if treatment for a multitude of conditions is needed.
The good news about CPT Code 96127 is that the benefits associated with the use of these tools does not stop at generating revenue through billing. Utilizing these instruments can also:
- Reduce and even replace paperwork
- Save valuable time in administration by screening the patients digitally and monitoring their progression
- Boost patient engagement
- Create customized reminders for patients
- Assist in scheduling with a built-in calendar
Also keep in mind that screenings, easily scheduled and even sent to the patient via the Mentegram application, can be administered the day before an office visit. This allows the clinician to have ample time to review the assessments before even seeing the patient.
If you are interested in learning more about the CPT code 96127 and how Mentegram can help you, continue here:
- CPT Code 96127 – How to Increase Revenue with This NEW Behavioral or Emotional Assessment
- CPT Code 96127 – Answers to the frequently asked questions about billing this code
- Ask us any question about billing CPT code 9612
DISCLAIMER: Please keep in mind that Mentegram is a software company, and do not consider content on our website as legal advice. It is your responsibility to decide to act on this content, relinquishing Mentegram of all claims. The information that we share is either what has worked well for our customers or curated content of the best practices from authorities.
We don’t consider ourselves billing consultants and experts. If you aren’t sure, please consult the particular insurance company or billing consultant for additional information.
