Name of the Procedure:

Smoking and Tobacco Cessation Counseling Visit

Common Name(s): Smoking cessation counseling, Tobacco use cessation counseling Technical/Medical Term: HCPCS G0436

Summary

Smoking and Tobacco Cessation Counseling is a brief visit designed to help asymptomatic patients quit smoking or using tobacco. The session typically lasts between 3 to 10 minutes and involves personalized advice and strategies to aid in cessation.

Purpose

The purpose of this counseling visit is to help patients who are currently using tobacco products to stop. The goals are to reduce the harmful health effects associated with tobacco use, improve overall health outcomes, and reduce the risk of developing related health conditions such as heart disease, lung disease, and cancer.

Indications

• Current use of tobacco products (cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco, etc.)
• Desire to quit or reduce tobacco use
• Guidance for patients wanting to improve overall health
• Patients with a history of tobacco-related diseases who are asymptomatic but wish to cease tobacco use

Preparation

• No specific preparation is needed for this visit.
• Patients should come prepared to discuss their tobacco use history and any previous quit attempts.
• It may be helpful to bring a list of current medications.

Procedure Description

1. Initial Assessment: The healthcare provider will begin by gathering history about the patient's tobacco use, including types of tobacco products used, duration and frequency of use, and any prior attempts to quit.
2. Motivation Discussion: The provider will discuss the patient's motivation for quitting, any challenges they may face, and their readiness to quit.
3. Counseling and Education: Personalized advice and education about the health risks of tobacco use and the benefits of quitting will be provided. Strategies for quitting, including setting a quit date and coping mechanisms, will be discussed.
4. Plan Development: A tailored plan to quit, which may include behavioral strategies and consideration of pharmacotherapy (e.g., nicotine replacement therapy), will be provided.
5. Follow-Up: Directions for follow-up visits or additional support resources such as quitlines or support groups will be given.

Duration

The counseling session typically lasts between 3 to 10 minutes.

Setting

This procedure is usually performed in an outpatient clinic or a primary care office.

Personnel

Typically involves the following healthcare professionals:

• Primary Care Physician or Nurse Practitioner
• Trained Smoking Cessation Counselor or Health Educator

Risks and Complications

• There are minimal risks associated with the counseling session itself.
• Possible minor psychological discomfort as sensitive topics and personal challenges in quitting smoking are discussed.

Benefits

• Personalized support and strategies to quit tobacco.
• Reduced risk of tobacco-related diseases (e.g., heart disease, cancer).
• Improved overall health and well-being.
• Benefits may be felt shortly after quitting and continue to improve over time.

Recovery

• No physical recovery is required from the counseling session itself.
• Patients may experience withdrawal symptoms when quitting tobacco, which can be managed with appropriate strategies discussed during the session.

Alternatives

• No-counseling approaches: Independent quit attempts without professional help.
• Self-help resources: Books, online resources, mobile apps.
• Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) and medications: Without concurrent counseling.
• Behavioral therapy with a specialized therapist.

Patient Experience

During the session, the patient can expect a supportive and non-judgmental conversation aimed at understanding their smoking habits and planning effective cessation strategies. Patients may feel motivated and more confident about quitting after the session. Comfort measures and empathy from the healthcare provider are emphasized to make the patient feel comfortable and supported.