CoCM vs BHI vs Advanced Primary Care codes: which fit your practice
Primary care practices can bill for behavioral health work through several code families. The right one depends on your resources and patient needs. If you choose CoCM, start with How to start a Collaborative Care (CoCM) program in primary care and the 99492 time thresholds guide.
What is Collaborative Care (CoCM)?
- Codes 99492, 99493, 99494 and G2214
- Requires a care manager, psychiatric consultant, registry and weekly review
- Best for patients with depression, anxiety and similar conditions needing structured follow-up
- Highest evidence base
What is general behavioral health integration (BHI)?
- Code 99484
- Requires at least 20 minutes of care management services in a month and a defined care model, with fewer team requirements
- Best for practices that cannot staff the full CoCM model
What is Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM)?
- HCPCS codes introduced in 2025 for practices that deliver comprehensive, team-based primary care
- Billed monthly per patient, with requirements across a set of care activities
- Can include behavioral health elements as part of broader primary care
How do CoCM vs BHI vs APCM compare?
| Factor | CoCM | BHI | APCM |
|---|---|---|---|
| Team | Care manager, consultant, provider | Provider and care staff | Primary care team |
| Registry | Required | Not required in the same way | Required elements differ |
| Payment | Higher, time-based | Lower | Per patient per month |
| Evidence | Strong | Limited | Broader primary care focus |
How should a practice choose between CoCM and BHI?
- Do you have or can you contract a care manager and consultant? If yes, CoCM.
- If not, can you do structured follow-up with existing staff? If yes, BHI.
- Do you provide comprehensive primary care to a defined panel? Consider APCM.
- Check which codes your payers cover.
Frequently asked questions
Can I bill CoCM and BHI together for the same patient?
Generally not for the same time period. Check payer rules.
Which is most profitable?
It depends on volume, payer mix and staffing costs.
Sources and check date
Code families summarized from public CPT and HCPCS descriptions. APCM rules follow CMS materials published for the 2025 and later Physician Fee Schedules. Coverage still varies by payer. Checked against public CMS materials as of October 11, 2026. Primary sources: the CMS Behavioral Health Integration Services booklet (MLN909432) and the CMS Care Management overview.
Related Triad guides
- How to start a Collaborative Care (CoCM) program in primary care
- 99492, 99493, 99494 and G2214: time thresholds with examples
How Triad helps
Triad provides the full CoCM team and registry for primary care practices. See if CoCM fits your practice.