Intensive Behavioral Therapy (IBT) is a series of counseling sessions aimed at reducing the risk of cardiovascular disease (CVD), which can lead to heart attack or stroke. It is also used for helping patients make behavioral changes that facilitate weight loss through proper diet and exercise. CMS covers IBT as follows:
For CVD: One annual, individual face-to-face (F2F) 15-minute IBT counseling session for CVD conducted by the PCP or non-physician primary care practitioner. The session should include, as appropriate: encouraging ASA use, BP screening and dietary counseling.
For Obesity (patients with a BMI of 30+): a series of sessions centering around weight loss and healthier lifestyle choices. The number of covered sessions depends on whether the patient loses at least 6.6 lbs in six months or not.
The behavioral counseling intervention should be consistent with the Five As approach that has been adopted by the USPSTF:
- Assess
- Advise
- Agree
- Assist
- Arrange
IBT is covered once per year for CVD and for obesity, CMS can cover up to 20 counseling visits per year depending on the patient’s weight loss. Feel free to request our free bulletin on billing this service and be sure to check with commercial payors to see if they also cover counseling for CVD risk and/or obesity.