Medicare billing can be complex and confusing, especially when it comes to coding for Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs). Two codes commonly used for billing AWVs are G0438 and G0439. In this article, we’ll demystify Medicare AWV coding by discussing basics of AWVs, providing a step-by-step guide to billing for G0438 and G0439 and discussing coding tips.

1. Demystifying Medicare AWV Coding

2. Call us at: 727-475-1834
Email us at: kbradley@legionhealthcaresolutions.com
Demystifying Medicare AWV Coding
Medicare billing can be complex and confusing, especially when it comes to coding for Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs).
Two codes commonly used for billing AWVs are G0438 and G0439. In this article, we’ll demystify Medicare AWV coding
by discussing basics of AWVs, providing a step-by-step guide to billing for G0438 and G0439 and discussing coding tips.
Demystifying Medicare AWV Coding
1. Basics of Annual Wellness Visits (AWVs)
An AWV is a yearly appointment that Medicare beneficiaries can have with their healthcare provider to develop or
update a personalized prevention plan based on their current health and risk factors. During the AWV, the provider may
review the patient’s medical and family history, perform a physical exam, update their preventive services, and create a
written plan for future preventive screenings and services. The two codes commonly used for billing AWVs are G0438
and G0439. G0438 is used for the initial AWV visit, and G0439 is used for subsequent visits.
Medicare covers the cost of an AWV once per year for beneficiaries who have had Medicare Part B for more than 12
months. During the AWV, Medicare covers services such as a review of the patient’s medical and family history, a
physical exam, and updating preventive services. It’s important to note that the AWV is not a comprehensive physical
exam, and any health issues that arise during the visit may require additional medical services that may or may not be
covered by Medicare. Medicare does not cover services such as diagnostic tests, treatments, or referrals during the
AWV.

3. Call us at: 727-475-1834
Email us at: kbradley@legionhealthcaresolutions.com
Demystifying Medicare AWV Coding
2. Step-by-Step Guide to Billing for G0438 and G0439
1. Confirm eligibility: Before billing for an AWV, you must confirm that the patient is eligible for Medicare coverage.
Medicare Part B covers AWVs for beneficiaries who have had Medicare Part B for more than 12 months.
2. Determine the type of visit: There are two types of AWV visits: the initial visit (G0438) and subsequent visits
(G0439). The initial visit is for patients who have not had an AWV in the past 12 months, while subsequent visits are
for patients who have had an AWV in the past 12 months.
3. Schedule the visit: Schedule the AWV with the patient and explain the purpose and benefits of the visit. Let the
patient know that Medicare covers the cost of the AWV if the healthcare provider accepts Medicare assignment.
4. Perform the AWV: During the AWV, healthcare providers will review the patient’s medical and family history,
perform a physical exam, and update their preventive services. They will also develop or update a personalized
prevention plan based on the patient’s current health and risk factors.
5. Document the visit: Accurate documentation is crucial for Medicare billing. Ensure that all relevant information is
documented in the patient’s medical record, including medical history, physical exam findings, and any new or
updated preventive services.
6. Select the appropriate code: After the AWV is complete, the provider must select the appropriate code for billing.
Use G0438 for the initial visit and G0439 for subsequent visits.
7. Submit the claim: Submit the claim using the appropriate code and any necessary modifiers. Be sure to include all
relevant information, such as the date of service, diagnosis codes, and any additional services provided during the
visit.

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Email us at: kbradley@legionhealthcaresolutions.com
Demystifying Medicare AWV Coding
8. Follow-up: Follow up with the patient to ensure that they understand their personalized prevention plan and any
recommended screenings or services. Schedule any necessary follow-up appointments or referrals as needed.
Medicare AWV coding can be challenging, but following these step-by-step guidelines can simplify the process. Confirm
eligibility, schedule the visit, perform the AWV, document the visit, select the appropriate code, submit the claim, and
follow up with the patient. By following these steps, healthcare providers can ensure accurate billing and provide high-
quality preventive care for Medicare beneficiaries.
3. Medicare AWV Coding Tips
Medicare billing can be a complex process, and it can be challenging to ensure accurate billing and timely payment. Let’s
explore some tips and strategies for mastering Medicare AWV coding with codes G0438 and G0439.
• Ensure accurate documentation: Accurate documentation is crucial when billing for AWVs. Providers should ensure
that all relevant information is documented in the beneficiary’s medical record, including the results of the health risk
assessment, the beneficiary’s medical and family history, and any updated preventive services. Providers should also
ensure that they document the personalized prevention plan they create for the beneficiary.
• Providing additional services: Providers can increase their payment for AWVs by providing additional services during
the visit. For example, if the beneficiary requires additional preventive services, such as immunizations or cancer
screenings, providers can bill for those services separately.

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Email us at: kbradley@legionhealthcaresolutions.com
Demystifying Medicare AWV Coding
Providers can also bill for services related to the management of chronic conditions or the diagnosis and treatment of
new conditions that are discovered during the AWV.
• Discuss Medicare’s coverage limitations: It’s essential to understand what Medicare does and does not cover during
an AWV. Medicare covers the cost of the AWV itself, but it does not cover any additional services, such as diagnostic
tests, treatments, or referrals. Providers should be upfront with beneficiaries about the services that Medicare does
and does not cover and should be prepared to discuss payment options for any additional services that are needed.
AWVs provide an excellent opportunity for healthcare providers to develop a personalized prevention plan for Medicare
beneficiaries. However, Medicare billing for AWVs can be complex and confusing. Providers should understand what is
covered by Medicare during an AWV, what is not covered, and the codes used for billing. Accurate documentation is
crucial for Medicare billing, and providers should ensure that all relevant information is documented in the patient’s
medical record. By following these guidelines, providers can ensure accurate billing and provide high-quality preventive
care for Medicare beneficiaries.
About Legion Healthcare Solutions
Legion Healthcare Solutions is a Medicare billing company that provides comprehensive revenue cycle management
services to healthcare providers. With a team of experienced billing specialists, we help providers navigate the complex
world of Medicare billing, ensuring accurate and timely payments.

6. Call us at: 727-475-1834
Email us at: kbradley@legionhealthcaresolutions.com
Demystifying Medicare AWV Coding
We offer a range of services, including claims processing, denial management, appeals, and reporting, to help providers
streamline their billing processes and maximize revenue. By partnering with Legion Healthcare Solutions, providers can
focus on providing high-quality care to their patients while leaving the billing and reimbursement processes to the
experts. To know more about our Medicare billing services, contact us at 727-475-1834 or email us at
info@legionhealthcaresolutions.com

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