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Initial annual wellness examination for BlueCHiP for Medicare members
Act
immediately
Effective date
Oct 1, 2019
Identified
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BlueCHiP for Medicare members should not have depression screening (G0444) billed with initial annual wellness visits (G0438) as it's already included. G0444 can only be billed separately with subsequent wellness visits (G0439).
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What to do
immediately · 4 steps
01Update billing system to prevent G0444 (depression screening) from being billed on same date as G0438 (initial wellness visit) for BlueCHiP Medicare members.
02Train billing team that G0444 is included in G0438.
03Only allow G0444 billing with G0439 (subsequent wellness visits).
04Update encounter forms to reflect this restriction.
Codes mentioned
G0444G0438G0439993859938699387993959939699397
Original notice
Initial annual wellness examination for BlueCHiP for Medicare members
bcbsri.com · Always check the source before changing claims.
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