Wiki Medical Decision Making - with an oncologist

[JenniferL123]

I have a question regarding what counts for diagnoses towards MDM. A breast cancer patient presents for a check-up with an oncologist and at the time of the visit the patient states she has recurrent plantar warts. The provider documents this information in the HPI, but is not treating that condition as the patient is following with a podiatrist. The plantar warts do not affect the patient's breast cancer treatment. I don't believe the warts should count towards the number of diagnoses being addressed or managed. Do you agree or do you think the warts could be counted as one of the diagnoses which could then lead to a higher level of MDM as I am increasing the diagnoses points. Any insight is appreciated.

 

[missy874]

I agree with not counting the warts for diagnosis points. I only count diagnoses that the provider is treating or makes clear that the non-treated diagnosis either is affected by or affects the diagnosis the provider is seeing the patient for.