Practice Management Alert

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 [...]