Summary & Overview
HCPCS S9452: Nutrition Classes by Non-Physician Provider, Per Session
HCPCS Level II code S9452 denotes nutrition classes provided by a non-physician provider, billed per session. This code captures structured nutrition education services delivered by non-physician clinicians such as registered dietitians or certified nutritionists in outpatient and ambulatory education settings. Nationally, the code is relevant for payers and providers focusing on chronic disease management, preventive services, and value-based care programs that emphasize patient education.
Key payers in this coverage analysis include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna Health, UnitedHealthcare, and Medicare. Readers will find an overview of how S9452 is used in clinical practice, common billing considerations, typical sites of service, and the types of providers who deliver these sessions. The publication also summarizes payer coverage patterns and benchmark contexts where available, highlights policy updates affecting non-physician-delivered education services, and situates S9452 within broader care pathways for nutrition-related conditions.
This summary is intended for national audiences interested in coding, billing, and policy implications for nutrition education services delivered by non-physician providers. Data not available in the input will be noted in relevant sections.
Billing Code Overview
HCPCS Level II code S9452 represents nutrition classes provided by a non-physician provider, billed per session. The service type is group or individual patient education in nutrition, delivered by non-physician clinicians such as registered dietitians or certified nutritionists. The typical site of service is outpatient clinic, community health center, or other ambulatory education settings, where structured nutrition instruction and counseling are provided on a per-session basis.
Data not available in the input.
Clinical & Coding Specifications
Clinical Context
A patient with newly diagnosed type 2 diabetes is referred by their primary care clinician to a clinic-based nutrition educator for medical nutrition therapy delivered as group or individual education sessions. The patient is a 52-year-old female with elevated hemoglobin A1c, BMI of 32 kg/m2, and hypertension. The non-physician provider (registered dietitian or certified diabetes educator) schedules a series of outpatient nutrition classes billed as S9452 per session. The workflow: referral and baseline assessment by the primary care provider; intake visit with the nutrition educator to review medical history, medications, and goals; individualized education session(s) covering carbohydrate counting, weight management strategies, meal planning, and behavior change techniques; documentation of attendance, education content, time spent, and measurable goals in the medical record; follow-up sessions or coordination with the primary care provider for medication adjustment if glycemic control does not improve. Typical sites of service are outpatient clinics, hospital outpatient departments, community health centers, and ambulatory education classrooms. Sessions are provided by non-physician providers such as registered dietitians, nutritionists, or certified diabetes educators and are billable per session as S9452.
Coding Specifications
| Modifier | Description | When to Use |
|---|---|---|
00 |