Wiki E/M Coding

[janwright10481@gmail.com]

I understand that when coding for E/M, a new patient requires the three key components of history, exam, and medical decision making.

Where I get confused is when you have a new patient and the history is problem focused, the exam is detailed the the medical decision making is of high complexity. How do you know which is the correct code? What if you have two of the three match up, for example problem focused history and exam but mdm is of high complexity? Do you go with the code that matches the highest number of components? is there is a formula or key to choose the correct code? Any and all advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

 

[tktkds@gmail.com]

tktkds@gmail.com

When you have three of three elements necessary - code to the lowest key element
When you have two of three elements necessary - cross out the lowest key element, code to the lowest remaining element

 

[janwright10481@gmail.com]

so if your history is problem focused, your exam is expanded problem focused, but your decision making is moderate, you would code it to the history?