Wiki annual exam on medicare patient

[mrolf]

When a physician sees a medicare patient and his documentation states "patient is here today for their annual examination" and then goes on to state "has a history of HTN, hypothroidism, & diabetes" and really is a follow-up on these conditions, should this be coded as a preventive or problem visit?

Also, if a medicare patient is seen and the physician documentation states "here for a yearly follow-up of her HTN and hyperlipidemia" is it correct to code this as a problem visit?

Would like a clarification on these, please. Thanks.

 

[aguelfi]

Depending on what the physician did w/ the chronic conditions we may actually split-bill. If the physician spent additonal time reviewing meds, ordering additonal testing, counseling the pt on their condition, I may bill an E&M in additon to the prevenative exam. However, if he/she mentions it as part of their history, nothing to really address, no changes in anything, then I consider it prevenative.

 

[Lisa Bledsoe]

I agree with Adrianne. If it states yearly physical, annual, etc; and no changes are made to the treatment of the chronic illnesses (ie all stated as well controlled), and the provider performs a wellness oriented physical exam, counseling, renews prescriptions, etc...I consider that as preventive.