G0447 face-to-face behavioral counseling for obesity, 15 minutes

G0473 Face-to-face behavioral counseling for obesity, group (2-10) 30 minutes

Medicare pays for ongoing face-to-face behavioral counseling for patients with a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30, who are alert and able to participate in counseling. The service may be performed by a physician or non-physician practitioner (NPP), but it is also allowed to be performed by medical practice staff incident to the services of a physician or an NPP.

The service consists of screening for obesity, dietary assessment and intensive behavioral counseling and behavioral therapy, for eligible patients.  The patient must have a BMI  of ≥ 30 to be eligible for the service.

Frequency limits for G0447

There are frequency limits for this service:

• One face-to-face visit every week for the first month;
• One face-to-face visit every other week for months 2-6; and
• One face-to-face visit every month for months 7-12, if the beneficiary meets if the 3kg (6.6 lbs) weight loss requirement during the first 6 months.