Test Yourself:
Draw the Line Between 'Brief' and 'Extended' HPI Levels
Published on Thu May 27, 2010
Hint: Simple signs like wet diapers might point to ROS, not HPI.Multi-symptoms patients can be the top order of your day, so learn to analyze the charts and count correctly to reach the correct HPI (history of present illness) level.Here's why: You count HPI (history of present illness) elements for each case because they're an important part of the history component of E/M services. A "brief" HPI consists of one to three elements, and an "extended" HPI requires four or more elements. Having enough elements to qualify as an extended HPI means the care might qualify for a detailed or comprehensive history. Documenting an extended HPI makes reporting a higher E/M code possible, but does not guarantee that step. The physician still must satisfy the other major elements of service (physical exam and medical decision-making).Tally These Elements of Patient's ConditionFor coding purposes, HPI is an ordered description of the patient's [...]
