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ED Coding and Reimbursement Alert

E/M Coding:

Code Correctly by Heeding HPI Rules on High-Level E/Ms

Published on Wed Jun 22, 2011

Prove extended HPI or settle for 99281, through 99283.If you don't recognize the difference between brief and extended history of present illness (HPI), you could be costing your EDs hundreds in miscoded E/ M services, as the HPI level often determines the proper ED E/M code choice. Coders could also overcode HPI level without the proper knowledge, leading to potential audits and rejected claims. Check out this HPI FAQ for some expert input on choosing HPI levels.What is HPI?In basic terms, HPI is a "timeline" of the patient's condition -- from the start of the condition/injury to the time of the ED presentation."HPI is actually the crux of the medical interview. It is a description of the present illness from its inception to the time of the medical interview," says Martin Herman, M.D., Pediatric Emergency Medicine, Sacred Heart Children's Hospital, Division of Pediatrics, Florida State University at Sacred Heart in Tallahassee."If [...]
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