Tobacco abuse counseling

This code signifies a patient encounter where counseling and advice regarding tobacco use cessation is provided. It indicates that a healthcare professional has engaged with the patient to address their tobacco dependence and offer guidance for quitting.

This code is appropriate for encounters focused on educating patients about the risks of tobacco use and providing strategies for cessation. It should be used when the primary purpose of the visit, or a significant portion of it, involves counseling on tobacco cessation, regardless of whether the patient has a formal tobacco dependence diagnosis.

• This code is for counseling services, not for the diagnosis of tobacco dependence itself (which would use codes from F17.-).
• It can be used as a primary or secondary diagnosis, depending on the focus of the encounter.
• Ensure documentation clearly supports the provision of tobacco cessation counseling, including the topics discussed and time spent.