G0439
Subsequent Annual Wellness Visit
Code Description
HCPCS code G0439 is used to report a Subsequent Annual Wellness Visit (AWV) for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. The visit includes updating the patient's health risk assessment, medical and family history, medication list, preventive screening schedule, and personalized prevention plan. G0439 is reported after the patient's initial Annual Wellness Visit (G0438) and may be billed no more than once every 12 months.
When to Use G0439
Common situations include:
A Medicare beneficiary returns for their annual follow-up wellness visit.
At least 12 months have passed since the previous Annual Wellness Visit.
The provider updates the patient's personalized prevention plan.
Preventive health risks and screenings are reviewed.
The visit focuses on preventive care rather than treating an acute illness.
Documentation Requirements
Documentation should include:
Updated health risk assessment.
Updated medical and family history.
Current medication list.
Height, weight, blood pressure, and other routine measurements.
Cognitive impairment assessment.
Functional ability and safety assessment.
Updated preventive screening schedule.
Updated personalized prevention plan.
Examples
Example 1
A Medicare beneficiary returns one year after their Initial Annual Wellness Visit. The physician updates the patient's health risk assessment, medications, preventive screenings, and personalized prevention plan. HCPCS code G0439 is reported.
Example 2
A nurse practitioner performs a Subsequent Annual Wellness Visit by reviewing the patient's medical history, assessing cognitive function, updating preventive recommendations, and providing an updated written prevention plan. The visit qualifies for HCPCS code G0439.
Common Billing Mistakes
Common billing mistakes include:
Reporting G0439 before 12 months have elapsed since the previous Annual Wellness Visit.
Billing G0439 instead of G0438 for a patient's first Annual Wellness Visit.
Confusing G0439 with a routine annual physical examination.
Failing to document all required preventive service elements.
Reporting G0439 without meeting Medicare eligibility requirements.
Related HCPCS Codes
G0438
Initial Annual Wellness Visit
G0402
Welcome to Medicare Preventive Visit
G2211
Visit Complexity Inherent to Evaluation and Management Services
FAQ
Can G0439 be billed every year?
Yes. G0439 may be reported once every 12 months after the beneficiary has completed their Initial Annual Wellness Visit (G0438) and continues to meet Medicare eligibility requirements.
Can G0439 and an office visit be billed on the same day?
Yes. If a significant, separately identifiable medically necessary E/M service is performed in addition to the Annual Wellness Visit, both services may be reported with appropriate documentation and Modifier 25 appended to the E/M service.
Does G0439 include a physical examination?
No. A Subsequent Annual Wellness Visit focuses on preventive care and updating a personalized prevention plan. It is not a comprehensive head-to-toe physical examination.
Who can perform a G0439 Annual Wellness Visit?
Physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical nurse specialists, and certain other qualified healthcare professionals may perform and bill a Subsequent Annual Wellness Visit when Medicare requirements are met.
Code Type
HCPCS Level II
Service Type
Reported For
Preventive Visit
Subsequent Annual Wellness Visit
