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    v1.0.28
    OpenPayerBilling CodesProcedures / Professional ServicesHCPCS hcpcs-g2251-virtual-check-in-brief-telehealth-communication
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    HCPCS G2251: Brief Virtual Check-in Communication

    Medicare pays $14 on average nationally for this procedure.

    HCPCS Level II code G2251 describes a brief communication technology-based service (virtual check-in) delivered by a qualified health care professional who is not eligible to report evaluation and management services; it applies to a 5–10 minute clinical discussion with an established patient that does not originate from a related service in the prior 7 days and does not lead to a service or procedure within the next 24 hours or the soonest available appointment, and the service type is a synchronous or asynchronous telehealth communication provided in an outpatient or remote/virtual setting.

    For related coverage guidance, see recent payer policy updates: Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Coverage Policy, Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD), Fecal Analysis in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis and Fecal Microbiota Transplant Testing.

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    Table of contents

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    Clinical & Coding Specifications

    Clinical Context

    A 52-year-old established patient with a history of well-controlled hypertension messages the clinic portal reporting a recent increase in headache frequency over the past two days and asks whether changes in medication or further evaluation are needed. The patient is not concurrently seen for another related service within the previous 7 days and does not require a procedure or office visit within the next 24 hours. A qualified health care professional who cannot report E/M services (for example, a nurse practitioner working under supervision where billing constraints apply or a clinical staff member documenting a triage encounter) performs a brief synchronous or asynchronous technology-based interaction lasting 5–10 minutes to assess symptoms, review home blood pressure readings, provide self-care guidance, and determine if escalation to an in-person visit is needed.

    Workflow:

    • Patient initiates a secure portal message or requests a virtual check-in via telephone/video.

    • Clinician reviews recent chart data and patient-reported vital signs, then conducts a 5–10 minute focused discussion via audiovisual or audio-only technology.

    • Clinician documents time spent, topic discussed, clinical decision (no E/M performed), and that the service did not originate from a related E/M in prior 7 days nor lead to an appointment or procedure within 24 hours.

    • Billing staff applies G2251 for the brief communication technology-based service when documentation meets the time and service relationship criteria.

    Related CPT Codes

    CPT CodeDescriptionRelationship to This Procedure
    99421Online digital evaluation and management service, for an established patient, for up to 7 days, cumulative time during the 7 days; 5-10 minutesAlternative code for asynchronous digital E/M provided over a 7-day period; may be used when the encounter fits the longer asynchronous work definition rather than a brief check-in.
    99441Telephone evaluation and management service provided by a physician to an established patient, parent, or guardian; 5-10 minutes of medical discussionA related telephonic E/M code used when the clinician performs a telephone E/M that meets E/M documentation and time rather than the brief technology-based G2251 constraints.
    99446Interprofessional telephone/Internet assessment and management service provided by a consultative physician, 5-10 minutes of medical consultative discussion and reviewUsed when a consultative interprofessional discussion occurs; contrasts with G2251 which is a direct brief patient communication by a provider who cannot report E/M.
    G2012Brief communication technology-based service, e.g., virtual check-in, by a qualified health care professional who can report E/M services; 5–10 minutes of discussionRelated HCPCS G-code used when the professional reporting the service is eligible to bill E/M services; distinguishes billing circumstances from G2251.

    Related Modifiers

    8 rows

    ModifierDescriptionWhen to Use
    22Modifier –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…
    23Modifier -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…
    52Modifier ‑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…
    53Modifier 53 (Discontinued Procedure) signals that a surgical or diagnostic service was begun by the physician but terminated because of extenuating circumstances that threatened the patient’s…- Use modifier -53 when a physician/qualified healthcare professional has started a surgical or diagnostic procedure (e.g., anesthesia administered, incision or scope insertion) and then discontinues…
    62Modifier 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…
    78CPT modifier -78 indicates an unplanned, related return to the operating or procedure room by the same provider during the global postoperative period. It is appended when treatment for a…- Use modifier -78 when an unplanned, related complication during the original procedure’s global postoperative period requires the patient to return to a formal operating or procedure room and the…
    80CPT® Modifier 80 (Assistant Surgeon) is appended to a surgical CPT code when a physician (MD or DO) provides full, continuous assistance throughout the operative procedure. It is intended only for…- Use CPT Modifier -80 when a physician (MD or DO) serves as an assistant surgeon and provides full, continuous assistance throughout the entire operative procedure; append -80 to the surgical CPT…
    82Modifier 82 is appended to a surgical CPT code to indicate that an attending physician acted as an assistant because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable. In teaching hospitals it documents…- When to use: Append modifier 82 in teaching-hospital settings to indicate a physician served as an assistant surgeon because a qualified resident surgeon was unavailable (includes situations where…

    Related Provider Taxonomies

    8 rows

    Taxonomy CodeSpecialtyNotes
    363LF0000XFamily Nurse PractitionerPhysician Assistants & Advanced Practice Nursing Providers · Nurse Practitioner
    207Q00000XFamily Medicine PhysicianFamily Medicine is the medical specialty which is concerned with the total health care of the individual and the family. It is the specialty in breadt…
    207R00000XInternal Medicine PhysicianA physician who provides long-term, comprehensive care in the office and the hospital, managing both common and complex illness of adolescents, adults…
    363L00000XNurse Practitioner(1) A registered nurse provider with a graduate degree in nursing prepared for advanced practice involving independent and interdependent decision mak…
    207XS0106XOrthopaedic Hand Surgery PhysicianAn orthopaedic surgeon trained in the investigation, preservation and restoration by medical, surgical and rehabilitative means of all structures of t…
    246ZN0300XNephrology Specialist/TechnologistTechnologists, Technicians & Other Technical Service Providers · Specialist/Technologist, Other
    261QR0401XComprehensive Outpatient Rehabilitation Facility (CORF)Ambulatory Health Care Facilities · Clinic/Center
    1835N1003XNutrition Support PharmacistA licensed pharmacist who has demonstrated specialized knowledge and skill in maintenance and/or restoration of optimal nutritional status, designing …

    Related ICD-10-CM Codes

    26 rows

    ICD-10-CM CodeDescription
    E11.9Type 2 diabetes mellitus without complications
    F32.9Major depressive disorder, single episode, unspecified
    F41.9Anxiety disorder, unspecified
    I10Essential (primary) hypertension
    J00Acute nasopharyngitis [common cold]
    J02.9Acute pharyngitis, unspecified
    J06.9Acute upper respiratory infection, unspecified
    J20.9Acute bronchitis, unspecified
    J98.4Other disorders of lung
    K21.9Gastro-esophageal reflux disease without esophagitis

    Showing 1–10 of 26

    Related Payer Policy Updates

    Specialty: Gastroenterology1 / 3

    7 rows

    PolicyPayerEffective Date
    Esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) Coverage Policyevicore2026-11-05
    Magnetic Sphincter Augmentation for the Treatment of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)univerahealthcare2026-10-15
    Fecal Analysis in the Diagnosis of Intestinal Dysbiosis and Fecal Microbiota Transplant TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Serum Testing for Hepatic Fibrosis in the Evaluation and Monitoring of Chronic Liver DiseaseOscar Health2026-10-01
    Pancreatic Enzyme Testing for Acute PancreatitisOscar Health2026-10-01
    Helicobacter pylori TestingOscar Health2026-10-01
    Celiac Disease TestingOscar Health2026-10-01

    Related Codes

    HCPCS-G9490-HOME-ASSESSMENT-NON-HOMEBOUND

    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

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    Frequently Asked Questions

    References

    1. 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. 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. 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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    99457Remote physiologic monitoring treatment management services, 20 minutes or more of clinical staff/physician/other qualified healthcare professional time in a calendar monthOften part of ongoing remote monitoring programs that may generate brief patient communications billed separately with G2251 as occasional check-ins.