G9621 HCPCS code: Patient identified as an unhealthy alcohol user when screened for unhealthy alcohol use using a systematic screening method and received brief counseling
G9621 is the HCPCS Level II code for patient identified as an unhealthy alcohol user when screened for unhealthy alcohol use using a systematic screening method and received brief counseling. Its Medicare coverage code is C (Carrier judgment): Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Code details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| Section | G codes — Procedures and professional services (temporary) |
| Coverage code | C — Carrier judgment |
| Pricing indicator | 00 — Not separately priced by Medicare |
| BETOS category | Z2 |
| Added | 2016-01-01 |
| Last action effective | 2016-01-01 |
What changed for G9621
- 2016-01-01: G9621 added to HCPCS Level II
- Next scheduled CMS quarterly update (HCPCS and DMEPOS fee schedule): 2027-01-01
Frequently asked questions
What is HCPCS code G9621?
G9621 is the HCPCS Level II code for patient identified as an unhealthy alcohol user when screened for unhealthy alcohol use using a systematic screening method and received brief counseling. Short descriptor: "Scr unheal etoh w/counsel".
Does Medicare cover G9621?
Coverage code C — Carrier judgment. Coverage is decided by the Medicare contractor (MAC) case by case.
Related G96 codes
- G9600 — Symptomatic aaas that required urgent/emergent (non-elective) repair
- G9601 — Patient discharge to home no later than post-operative day #7
- G9602 — Patient not discharged to home by post-operative day #7
- G9603 — Patient survey score improved from baseline following treatment
- G9604 — Patient survey results not available
- G9605 — Patient survey score did not improve from baseline following treatment
- G9606 — Intraoperative cystoscopy performed to evaluate for lower tract injury
- G9607 — Documented medical reasons for not performing intraoperative cystoscopy (e.g., urethral pathology precluding cystoscopy, any patient who has a congenital or acquired absence of the urethra) or in the case of patient death
- G9608 — Intraoperative cystoscopy not performed to evaluate for lower tract injury
- G9609 — Documentation of an order for anti-platelet agents
- G9610 — Documentation of medical reason(s) in the patient's record for not ordering anti-platelet agents
- G9611 — Order for anti-platelet agents was not documented in the patient's record, reason not given
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Next steps
- Run a reimbursement report for a device billed under G9621
- Watch G9621 for fee, coverage and descriptor changes
- Build a full Medicare revenue model for G9621
Sources: CMS HCPCS Level II release October 2026; CMS DMEPOS fee schedule; CMS NCCI MUE tables; CMS Medicare utilization (physician and DME supplier files); CMS Medicare Coverage Database articles. Fees are Medicare allowables, not commercial rates. Not billing or legal advice.