Summary & Overview
HCPCS G0548: Interprofessional Mental Health Consult, 21–30 Minutes
HCPCS Level II code G0548 captures an interprofessional consultative assessment and management service provided by a mental health specialist via telephone, internet, or electronic health record, including a verbal and written report to the requesting clinician for 21–30 minutes of discussion and review. This code matters nationally as telehealth and electronic interprofessional collaboration expand access to specialty mental health input, streamline care coordination, and document specialist input without a direct patient encounter.
Key payers in this analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find a concise overview of the clinical context for use of G0548, typical service settings, and discussion of payer coverage considerations. The publication summarizes common modifiers and implementation details where available, documents which elements define eligible services, and outlines how G0548 fits within interprofessional consultation workflows.
This analysis is intended for a national audience of coding professionals, clinicians involved in specialty consultation, and payer policy staff seeking clear guidance on the clinical rationale, service type, and billing context for HCPCS Level II code G0548. Data not available in the input will be noted where applicable.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code G0548 describes an interprofessional telephone/internet/electronic health record assessment and management service provided by a practitioner in a specialty whose covered services are limited by statute to the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness. The service includes a verbal and written report to the patient's treating or requesting practitioner and represents 21–30 minutes of medical consultative discussion and review.
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Service type: Interprofessional consultative assessment and management (telephone/internet/EHR)
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Typical site of service: Consultation occurs virtually or via electronic health record exchange between practitioners; the originating patient care site and the practitioner’s setting may vary depending on the treating/requesting practitioner and the consultant’s practice.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A primary care physician requests specialist input for a patient with complex psychiatric needs. The patient is a 38-year-old female with worsening major depressive disorder and emerging suicidal ideation after recent medication changes. The primary care clinician sends a secure message and brief summary via the electronic health record requesting guidance on medication adjustment and safety planning. A psychiatrist whose statutory services are limited to mental health reviews the chart, medication list, recent PHQ-9 scores, and the PCP’s note, then conducts a 25-minute interprofessional telephone/EHR consultation with the PCP to discuss diagnostic considerations, recommended medication changes, monitoring parameters, and the need for urgent referral. The psychiatrist documents a verbal and written report back to the treating/requesting practitioner, including rationale for recommendations and suggested follow-up.
Typical clinical workflow:
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The treating/requesting practitioner identifies need for specialist input and forwards pertinent records and clinical questions via secure EHR message or call.
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The consulting psychiatrist reviews records and conducts interprofessional discussion (telephone/internet/EHR) lasting 21–30 minutes.
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The psychiatrist provides a verbal consultation during the call and submits a written report into the EHR for the treating/requesting practitioner.
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The treating/requesting practitioner implements recommendations or arranges direct patient referral as indicated.
Typical site of service: outpatient clinic or ambulatory practice settings supporting interprofessional electronic/telephone consultation, with documentation entered into the patient’s electronic health record.