Tobacco use status is now embedded in most of the major electronic health records and evidence-based tobacco cessation counseling and pharmacotherapy covered by Medicare, Medicaid and most private health plans. Despite improved documentation and coverage, few providers bill for cessation services.
To help stakeholders ensure both the provision of cessation services and payment for those services, the American Lung Association has published a Billing Guide which gives an overview of tobacco cessation coverage requirements for Medicare, Medicaid and private insurance. While coverage is a critical component, payment for these services requires using the proper service and diagnosis codes. This document also provides guidance on how to code for both diagnoses and services
related to tobacco.
Download the Billing Guide for Tobacco Screening and Cessation