Wiki Need help with Musculoskeletal Exam bullets

[mcarrillo]

Hi,

Can anyone give me their input on counting a bullet under the musculoskeletal system exam? I was wondering if in the musculoskeletal section for the six areas, for this area- 2) spine, ribs and pelvis. Does the physicain have to do all three or one of the three to count?

Thank you

 

[Michele Hannon]

The 1997 E/M Guidelines for elements of exam:
Musculoskeletal
Examination of joints, bones and muscles of ONE OR MORE OF THE FOLLOWING SIX AREAS:
1) head and neck
2) spine, ribs and pelvis
3) right upper extremity
4) left upper extremity
5) right lower extremity
6) left lower extremity

All three elements-spine, ribs and pelvis must be addressed to count as one bullet.

 

[mcarrillo]

Michelle,
Thank you. I was thinking this also, just needed someone else to confirm.