HCPCS G0397: Alcohol/Substance Misuse Assessment and Intervention >30 min

HCPCS Level II code G0397 describes a structured assessment and intervention for alcohol and/or substance (other than tobacco) misuse lasting greater than 30 minutes, typically delivered as a behavioral health counseling/brief intervention service in outpatient behavioral health clinics, primary care offices, or other ambulatory care settings where screening and counseling are provided.

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HCPCS G0397: Alcohol/Substance Misuse Assessment and Intervention >30 min

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Get alerted when payer policies referencing G0397 are released or updated.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

A 42-year-old patient presents to a primary care clinic for routine follow-up and reports increased alcohol use over the past three months with two occasions of binge drinking and difficulty cutting down. The clinician performs a structured alcohol screening tool (e.g., AUDIT) followed by a brief motivational intervention and counseling session that lasts 40 minutes. The service includes administration and scoring of the validated screening instrument, personalized feedback on risk, discussion of reduction strategies, and development of a follow-up plan. Documentation includes the screening tool name and score, time spent on assessment and intervention (total >30 minutes), patient verbal consent to counseling, clinical findings, and any referrals placed (e.g., behavioral health, specialty addiction services). Typical workflow occurs in ambulatory primary care, family medicine, internal medicine, community health centers, or outpatient behavioral health settings; services may also be delivered via synchronous telehealth when supported by payor policy. The clinician credentials commonly providing this service include physicians, nurse practitioners, physician assistants, clinical psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, and licensed professional counselors operating under their state scope of practice and payer guidelines.

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`99406`	Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit, intermediate, greater than 3 minutes up to 10 minutes	Behavioral counseling code for tobacco; may be used in the same visit if tobacco counseling is also delivered, but separate time and documentation required.
`99407`	Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit, intensive, greater than 10 minutes	Used if intensive tobacco cessation counseling is provided in addition to the alcohol/substance intervention; document separate content and time.
`96127`	Brief emotional/behavioral assessment (e.g., depression inventory), with scoring and documentation, per standardized instrument	Used when a brief standardized behavioral health screening (such as a brief substance misuse screener) is administered and scored; document instrument and score.
`90832`	Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient	Short psychotherapy session that may be provided before or after brief intervention when additional therapy is delivered; ensure psychotherapy content is distinct.
`90834`	Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient	Common psychotherapy duration that may follow a structured assessment and intervention when more comprehensive therapy is provided.
`99401`	Preventive counseling, individual, 15 minutes (older coding; limited payer use)	Preventive counseling codes sometimes used for brief risk-reduction counseling; verify payer acceptance and overlap with `G0397`.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
95	Modifier 95 indicates that a service was provided via synchronous, real‑time audio‑video telehealth rather than in‑person. Per CMS, AAPC and professional associations, append modifier 95 to claim…	- Use modifier 95 to indicate a service was furnished via synchronous, real‑time audiovisual telehealth (a live audio‑video conference between patient and provider) rather than in‑person. - Pair…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
208D00000X	General Practice Physician	A physician who specializes in the general practice of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with a variety of illnesses and conditions.
208000000X	Pediatrics Physician	A pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectru…
363LF0000X	Family Nurse Practitioner	Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner
103T00000X	Psychologist	A psychologist is an individual who is licensed to practice psychology which is defined as the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, a…
101Y00000X	Counselor	A provider who is trained and educated in the performance of behavior health services through interpersonal communications and analysis. Training and …
261QR0200X	Radiology Clinic/Center	Ambulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
2278P1005X	Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certified Respiratory Therapist	The respiratory therapist can assist the chronic pulmonary patient in returning to an optimal role in society by providing an effective program. It i…
363LN0005X	Critical Care Neonatal Nurse Practitioner	Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

29 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
F10.20	Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated
F10.21	Alcohol dependence, in remission
F10.229	Alcohol dependence with intoxication, unspecified
F11.20	Opioid dependence, uncomplicated
F11.21	Opioid dependence, in remission
F11.229	Opioid dependence with intoxication, unspecified
F12.20	Cannabis dependence, uncomplicated
F12.21	Cannabis dependence, in remission
F13.20	Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, uncomplicated
F13.21	Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, in remission

Showing 1–10 of 29

HCPCS G9490: Home Visit Patient Assessment for Non-Homebound Beneficiary

HCPCS-G0008-INFLUENZA-VACCINE-ADMINISTRATION

HCPCS G0008: Administration of Influenza Virus Vaccine

HCPCS-G0009-PNEUMOCOCCAL-VACCINE-ADMINISTRATION

HCPCS G0009: Administration of Pneumococcal Vaccine

HCPCS-G0010-HEPATITIS-B-VACCINE-ADMINISTRATION

HCPCS G0010: Administration of Hepatitis B Vaccine

HCPCS-G0011-PREP-COUNSELING-HIV-RISK-REDUCTION-ADHERENCE

HCPCS G0011: Individual PrEP Counseling, HIV Risk Assessment

HCPCS-G0012-PRE-EXPOSURE-PROPHYLAXIS-INJECTION-HIV-PREVENTION

HCPCS G0012: Injection of PrEP Drug for HIV Prevention

HCPCS-G0013-PREP-INDIVIDUAL-COUNSELING-HIV-RISK-REDUCTION

HCPCS G0013: Individual PrEP Counseling by Clinical Staff

HCPCS-G0017-PSYCHOTHERAPY-CRISIS-FIRST-60-MINUTES-NON-OFFICE

HCPCS G0017: Psychotherapy for Crisis, First 60 Minutes

HCPCS-G0018-PSYCHOTHERAPY-CRISIS-ADDITIONAL-30-MINUTES-NON-OFFICE

HCPCS G0018: Psychotherapy for Crisis, Additional 30 Minutes

HCPCS-G0019-COMMUNITY-HEALTH-INTEGRATION-SDOH-CARE-COORDINATION

HCPCS G0019: Community Health Integration, Person-Centered Assessment

Showing 1–10 of 1996

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

CPT Code	Description	Relationship to This Procedure
`99406`	Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit, intermediate, greater than 3 minutes up to 10 minutes	Behavioral counseling code for tobacco; may be used in the same visit if tobacco counseling is also delivered, but separate time and documentation required.
`99407`	Smoking and tobacco use cessation counseling visit, intensive, greater than 10 minutes	Used if intensive tobacco cessation counseling is provided in addition to the alcohol/substance intervention; document separate content and time.
`96127`	Brief emotional/behavioral assessment (e.g., depression inventory), with scoring and documentation, per standardized instrument	Used when a brief standardized behavioral health screening (such as a brief substance misuse screener) is administered and scored; document instrument and score.
`90832`	Psychotherapy, 30 minutes with patient	Short psychotherapy session that may be provided before or after brief intervention when additional therapy is delivered; ensure psychotherapy content is distinct.
`90834`	Psychotherapy, 45 minutes with patient	Common psychotherapy duration that may follow a structured assessment and intervention when more comprehensive therapy is provided.
`99401`	Preventive counseling, individual, 15 minutes (older coding; limited payer use)	Preventive counseling codes sometimes used for brief risk-reduction counseling; verify payer acceptance and overlap with `G0397`.

Related Modifiers

6 rows

Modifier	Description	When to Use
22	Modifier –22 (Increased Procedural Services) is used when a reported procedure is substantially more extensive than normally required. The CPT Manual and CMS state it may be appended only when the…	- When to use: Append modifier -22 to a procedural CPT code when the service performed is substantially more extensive than the usual service described by that code — i.e., the procedure required…
23	Modifier -23 (Unusual Anesthesia) is used on anesthesia service CPT codes when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia…	- Use modifier -23 only on anesthesia CPT codes (00100–01999) when a procedure that normally requires no anesthesia or only local anesthesia must be performed under general anesthesia because of…
52	Modifier ‑52 (Reduced Services) indicates that a service or procedure was partially reduced or omitted at the provider’s discretion, allowing reporting of the basic procedure number with a qualifier…	- Use modifier -52 when a physician or qualified health professional electively reduces or omits part of a procedure or service (for example, performing fewer required views or omitting a portion of…
59	Modifier 59 indicates a distinct procedural service when two procedures that are not normally billed together are clinically and procedurally separate. The CPT definition (as reiterated by CMS)…	- Use modifier -59 to report a distinct procedural service when documentation supports that the procedure reported is not normally billed together with another service on the same day because of a…
62	Modifier 62 indicates that two surgeons function as co‑surgeons, each performing distinct parts of the same primary surgical procedure. It is appended to the primary procedure code (and any…	- Use modifier -62 when two surgeons act as co‑surgeons (both primary surgeons) on a single definitive primary procedure, each performing distinct parts of the same surgical procedure (append -62 to…
95	Modifier 95 indicates that a service was provided via synchronous, real‑time audio‑video telehealth rather than in‑person. Per CMS, AAPC and professional associations, append modifier 95 to claim…	- Use modifier 95 to indicate a service was furnished via synchronous, real‑time audiovisual telehealth (a live audio‑video conference between patient and provider) rather than in‑person. - Pair…

Related Provider Taxonomies

8 rows

Taxonomy Code	Specialty	Notes
208D00000X	General Practice Physician	A physician who specializes in the general practice of diagnosing, treating, and managing patients with a variety of illnesses and conditions.
208000000X	Pediatrics Physician	A pediatrician is concerned with the physical, emotional and social health of children from birth to young adulthood. Care encompasses a broad spectru…
363LF0000X	Family Nurse Practitioner	Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner
103T00000X	Psychologist	A psychologist is an individual who is licensed to practice psychology which is defined as the observation, description, evaluation, interpretation, a…
101Y00000X	Counselor	A provider who is trained and educated in the performance of behavior health services through interpersonal communications and analysis. Training and …
261QR0200X	Radiology Clinic/Center	Ambulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
2278P1005X	Pulmonary Rehabilitation Certified Respiratory Therapist	The respiratory therapist can assist the chronic pulmonary patient in returning to an optimal role in society by providing an effective program. It i…
363LN0005X	Critical Care Neonatal Nurse Practitioner	Physician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

29 rows

ICD-10-CM Code	Description
F10.20	Alcohol dependence, uncomplicated
F10.21	Alcohol dependence, in remission
F10.229	Alcohol dependence with intoxication, unspecified
F11.20	Opioid dependence, uncomplicated
F11.21	Opioid dependence, in remission
F11.229	Opioid dependence with intoxication, unspecified
F12.20	Cannabis dependence, uncomplicated
F12.21	Cannabis dependence, in remission
F13.20	Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, uncomplicated
F13.21	Sedative, hypnotic or anxiolytic dependence, in remission

Showing 1–10 of 29

HCPCS G9490: Home Visit Patient Assessment for Non-Homebound Beneficiary

HCPCS-G0008-INFLUENZA-VACCINE-ADMINISTRATION

HCPCS G0008: Administration of Influenza Virus Vaccine

HCPCS-G0009-PNEUMOCOCCAL-VACCINE-ADMINISTRATION

HCPCS G0009: Administration of Pneumococcal Vaccine

HCPCS-G0010-HEPATITIS-B-VACCINE-ADMINISTRATION

HCPCS G0010: Administration of Hepatitis B Vaccine

HCPCS-G0011-PREP-COUNSELING-HIV-RISK-REDUCTION-ADHERENCE

HCPCS G0011: Individual PrEP Counseling, HIV Risk Assessment

HCPCS-G0012-PRE-EXPOSURE-PROPHYLAXIS-INJECTION-HIV-PREVENTION

HCPCS G0012: Injection of PrEP Drug for HIV Prevention

HCPCS-G0013-PREP-INDIVIDUAL-COUNSELING-HIV-RISK-REDUCTION

HCPCS G0013: Individual PrEP Counseling by Clinical Staff

HCPCS-G0017-PSYCHOTHERAPY-CRISIS-FIRST-60-MINUTES-NON-OFFICE

HCPCS G0017: Psychotherapy for Crisis, First 60 Minutes

HCPCS-G0018-PSYCHOTHERAPY-CRISIS-ADDITIONAL-30-MINUTES-NON-OFFICE

HCPCS G0018: Psychotherapy for Crisis, Additional 30 Minutes

HCPCS-G0019-COMMUNITY-HEALTH-INTEGRATION-SDOH-CARE-COORDINATION

HCPCS G0019: Community Health Integration, Person-Centered Assessment

Showing 1–10 of 1996

Frequently Asked Questions

References

1.CPT® Codes and Descriptions. AAPC. Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.Maintains the CPT code set's official descriptions and guidelines, licensed from the American Medical Association, used as the definitional source for CPT codes on this page.
2.HCPCS Quarterly Update. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's quarterly release of HCPCS Level II codes and short/long descriptors, the source for HCPCS code definitions and update history.
3.ICD-10-CM Full Code List. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Retrieved Aug 11, 2026.CMS's complete ICD-10-CM diagnosis code list, used to cross-reference diagnosis codes associated with this procedure or service.

Published by

Trek Health powers OpenPayer with a leading commercial payer intelligence platform, seamlessly converting fragmented payer data into actionable insights for provider organizations.

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HCPCS G0397: Alcohol/Substance Misuse Assessment and Intervention >30 min

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HCPCS G0397: Alcohol/Substance Misuse Assessment and Intervention >30 min

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Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

References

HCPCS G0397: Alcohol/Substance Misuse Assessment and Intervention >30 min

Sign up for hcpcs G0397 policy alerts

HCPCS G0397: Alcohol/Substance Misuse Assessment and Intervention >30 min

Sign up for hcpcs G0397 policy alerts

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

What service does HCPCS G0397 represent and where is it typically provided?

What clinical documentation elements are expected when reporting G0397?

Which modifiers are commonly associated with billing G0397 and when are they used?

What related CPT codes might be billed alongside or instead of G0397?

Which ICD-10 diagnoses are related to G0397 and is tobacco included?

References

Clinical & Coding Specifications

Clinical Context

Related CPT Codes

Related Modifiers

Related Provider Taxonomies

Related ICD-10-CM Codes

Related Codes

What service does HCPCS G0397 represent and where is it typically provided?

What clinical documentation elements are expected when reporting G0397?

Which modifiers are commonly associated with billing G0397 and when are they used?

What related CPT codes might be billed alongside or instead of G0397?

Which ICD-10 diagnoses are related to G0397 and is tobacco included?

References