Wiki help! when to count over the counter meds

[wynonna]

Hi everyone:
We have patients who frequently take flonase who come to see us for epistaxis or nasal problems.
Or they take OTC ear drops, as another example, for otitis externa.
I know if provider documents he/she discontinued or recommended an OTC, it counts as low risk under MDM._
So if the provider notes that patient is taking an OTC and names it, does this count at all as low risk under MDM?
thank you fellow coders.

 

[jkyles]

Hi there, in the office setting OTC meds do not automatically count as low risk. Your providers will need to put something in the chart or you'll have to ask them.