Advanced Search

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

Evaluation and Management:

Solidify Your Physical Examination Level Know-How With 4 FAQs

Published on Mon Sep 12, 2011

Beware the 1995 vs. 1997 guidelines pitfall by choosing just one at a time.When selecting an E/M code for an office visit there are multiple factors -- and when you throw in two sets of physical examination guidelines, your head can spin. Let our experts take the confusion out of the 1995 versus 1997 guideline debate with these top four exam questions.1. How Do I Determine the Physical Examination Level?There are two sets of guidelines you should be familiar with before trying to determine the level of the physical examination key component for your E/M coding: 1995 and 1997 guidelines. Both sets of guidelines help you determine which of the following four levels of examinations your physician completed during an E/M service: problem-focused, expanded problem focused, detailed, and comprehensive. The level of exam is a factor in determining which code you can report: 99201-99205 (Office or other outpatient visit for the [...]
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Podiatry Coding & Billing Alert

View All