Is G0444 covered for telehealth? (Medicare)
G0444, the annual depression screening HCPCS code, appears on Medicare's approved telehealth services list. This means Medicare may reimburse this screening when delivered via telehealth, subject to the place-of-service and modifier requirements shown here.
How to bill it
Bill G0444 with place-of-service code 02 or 10 depending on where the patient is located during the encounter, and append modifier 95 to indicate the service was furnished via synchronous telecommunications technology. Confirm which POS applies to your specific visit setting (see FAQ below) before submitting. POS reference → · modifier reference →
Audio-only
Medicare's list of telehealth services doesn't specify audio-only eligibility for this code. Audio-only is permitted for a number of services (notably behavioral and mental-health care); confirm against current CMS guidance and your payer before billing audio-only.
Frequently asked
What's the difference between POS 02 and POS 10?
POS 02 generally indicates the patient was not in their home (e.g., another healthcare facility) at the time of the telehealth service, while POS 10 indicates the patient was in their home. Choose the code that reflects the patient's actual location during the encounter.
Does this Medicare coverage apply to commercial or Medicaid plans?
No. This reference reflects Medicare's telehealth coverage rules only. Commercial payers and state Medicaid programs have their own telehealth policies, which may differ in covered codes, POS requirements, modifiers, and audio-only allowances. Always verify with the specific payer.
Is modifier 95 required in addition to the POS code?
Yes, per the modifier guidance shown, modifier 95 should be appended to G0444 to signify the service was delivered via real-time audio-video telecommunications, alongside the correct POS code.
More free billing tools: all telehealth codes · telehealth checker · Medicare fee for G0444 · place of service · modifiers
Reflects Medicare's list of telehealth services for this year; audio-only, POS and modifier rules can change. Commercial and Medicaid telehealth coverage differ — verify current CMS guidance and your payer's rules before billing.
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