2025 HCPCS code G2251
(Active) Effective Date: N/A Revision Date: N/A Procedures / Professional Services - Brief Communication Technology-Based Services G Codes Feed
Brief communication technology-based service, e.g., virtual check-in, by a qualified healthcare professional who cannot report evaluation and management services, provided to an established patient.
Modifiers may be applicable based on specific payer guidelines. Consult relevant payer documentation for details.
Medical necessity for G2251 is established when a brief communication initiated by an established patient requires the attention of a qualified healthcare professional to address a specific concern or question.The communication should not substitute for a full evaluation or other necessary services.
The qualified healthcare professional spends 5-10 minutes in technology-based communication with an established patient.
In simple words: This code covers a short, virtual check-in with your healthcare provider (who isn't a doctor or other provider who bills for regular office visits) to discuss a health concern when you're already their patient.It's not for emergencies or new problems that need a full appointment within a day, and it's not billable if it's related to something you discussed with them in the past week.
This code describes a brief, technology-based communication service, such as a virtual check-in, initiated by an established patient.It is used by a qualified healthcare professional who cannot bill for evaluation and management services. The communication must not originate from a related service provided within the previous 7 days, nor should it lead to a service or procedure within the next 24 hours or soonest available appointment.The service involves 5-10 minutes of medical discussion.
Example 1: An established patient sends a secure message to their speech therapist through a patient portal with a quick question about their ongoing exercises. The therapist replies with a brief explanation, spending about 7 minutes addressing the patient's concern. This interaction is coded as G2251., A physical therapist receives a phone call from an established patient about some minor muscle soreness they are experiencing a few days after their last appointment. The therapist provides advice and reassurance, the discussion lasting approximately 6 minutes. This is coded as G2251., An established patient of an audiologist uses a telehealth platform for a quick video chat with their audiologist, asking about a minor issue they are having with their hearing aid. The audiologist troubleshoots the problem with the patient over video, the conversation lasting about 8 minutes. This encounter can be coded as G2251.
Documentation should include the date and time of the communication, the mode of communication (e.g., phone call, video chat, patient portal message), the patient's question or concern, and a brief summary of the provider's response. It should also confirm the patient's established status and that the communication was unrelated to any recent or upcoming services.
- RVU: Unknown
- Payment Status: Active
- Specialties:Various specialties can utilize this code, including but not limited to: speech-language pathology, physical therapy, occupational therapy, audiology, and other non-physician healthcare providers who cannot bill for E/M services.
- Place of Service:Applicable place of service codes may vary depending on how the communication is conducted (e.g., phone call, video call, online portal). Common possibilities include the patient's home (12), the provider's office (11), a telehealth location (02), or other appropriate locations.