Medicare Annual Visit Coding

We have a new patient, an 86 year old woman who we saw for the first time yesterday. Should I bill Medicare the G0439 code (annual exam, subsequent visit) or G0438 (annual exam, initial visit)? I'm certain that she has been seen by other providers for annual exams, but I'm not sure if this visit would count as an initial visit since it was my doctor's first time seeing her.

re: Medicare Annual Visit Coding

Medicare will only pay for one initial AWV per lifetime, so it follows the patient rather than the physician. If you suspect this patient has ever had an AWV, bill for the subsequent visit (G0439).

re: Medicare Annual Visit Coding

Thank you! That's what I thought, but I needed to make sure.