Practice Management Alert

Reader Questions:

Bulk Up Your Documentation With M.E.A.T.

Question: What, exactly, does M.E.A.T. stand for in the medical context?

Oregon Subscriber`

Answer: M.E.A.T. is an acronym that can help people remember critical facets of capturing an encounter when evaluating documentation. The acronym is defined (along with relevant examples) as follows:

Monitor: Signs, symptoms, disease progression or regression

Evaluate: Test results, efficacy of medication, response to treatment

Assess/Address: Ordered tests, discussion, record review, counseling

Treat: Prescribe medications, provide therapy or other modalities

Remember these aspects of documentation to make sure that you have everything you need to illustrate the patient’s condition and to report an encounter accurately.