Question:
New Hampshire Subscriber
Answer:
Checking any three of seven vital signs will count as one bullet in the physical exam, based on the current (1997) documentation guidelines for E/M services, which you can find at (www.cms.gov/MLNEdWebGuide/25_EMDOC.asp).Here's how it works:
Under the 1997 documentation guidelines for E/M services, performing (and documenting) any three of the following seven vital signs will count as one bullet in the constitutional system/body area of the general multisystem examination:1. Sitting or standing blood pressure
2. Supine blood pressure
3. Pulse rate and regularity
4. Respiration
5. Temperature
6. Height
7. Weight
Bonus:
Ancillary staff (such as a nurse) may measure and record the vitals.