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Risk-Based Coding
Physician Training
This presentation about documentation & coding is
designed to take a complex issue and make it 
 Logical
 Meaningful
 useful
What is Risk-Based E&M Coding?
The three elements of E&M Coding Include:
 History
 Physical Examination
 Medical Decision-Making
The MDM is usually the ultimate determining
factor for level of service.
 The risk to the patient is a major component of MDM
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
Risk
 Minimal
 Low
 Moderate
 High
Data
 Minimal
 Limited
 Moderate
 Extensive
Diagnoses/Medical Management Options
 Minimal
 Limited
 Multiple
 Extensive
Risk?
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
RISK DATA DX/MGT
COMPLEXITY
MDM
Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight-
forward
Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low
Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate
High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
Risk  Patients at High Risk include:
 One or more chronic illnesses with severe exacerbations, progression, or side
effects of treatment
 Acute or chronic illnesses or injury that pose a threat to life or bodily function,
e.g. multiple trauma, acute MI, pulmonary embolus, severe respiratory distress
 And needs diagnostic testing or procedural intervention
Risk  Patients at Moderate Risk include:
 One or more chronic illnesses with mild exacerbations, progression, or side
effects of treatment
 Two or more stable chronic illnesses
 Undiagnosed new problem with uncertain prognosis, e.g. lump in breast
 Acute illness with systemic symptoms, e.g., pyelonephritis, pneumonitis, colitis
 And needs diagnostic testing or procedural intervention
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
Risk  Patients at Low Risk include:
 Two or more self-limited or minor problems
 One stable chronic illness, e.g. well controlled hypertension or non-
insulin dependent diabetes, cataract, BPH
 Acute uncomplicated illness or injury, e.g. cystitis, allergic rhinitis, simple
sprain
 And needs diagnostic testing or treatment, e.g., medications, rehab
therapy
Risk  Patients with Minimal Risk include:
 One self-limited or minor problems, e.g. cold, insect bite, tinea corporis
 And needs diagnostic testing, e.g., laboratory tests requiring
venipuncture or treatment, e.g., rest, gargle
Data?
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
RISK DATA DX/MGT
COMPLEXITY
MDM
Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight-
forward
Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low
Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate
High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
Data includes review of Clinical Information:
 Clinical lab(s) (all labs = 1 pt.);
 X-ray(s)(all imaging studies = 1 pt);
 Decision to obtain old records (=1 pt);
 Direct visualization/interpretation of study (= 1pt);
 Other Medical diagnostic test(s)(=1pt);
 Discussion of unexpected results with
performing/interpreting physician (=1 pt).
 2 points for review and summary of old record from
source other than patient
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
Data
 Minimal 1 Data Element (1 point of Data)
 Limited..2 Data Elements (2 points of Data
 Moderate...3 Data Elements (3 points of Data
 Extensive 4 or more Data Elements (at least
4 points of Data
DX / MGT?
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
RISK DATA DX/MGT COMPLEXITY
MDM
Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight-
forward
Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low
Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate
High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
Diagnoses/Medical Management Options
 Minimal  one self-limited problem (existing or new)
 Limited  more than presenting problem, well controlled,
or a new problem not controlled or worsening
 Multiple - a new problem, with no additional work-up
planned or multiple diagnoses problems as described
above
 Extensive  a new problem with additional work-up
planned, or multiple diagnoses/problems as described
above
Complexity /
MDM?
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
RISK DATA DX/MGT
COMPLEXITY
MDM
Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight-
forward
Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low
Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate
High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
The MDM is usually the ultimate determining factor for
level of service.
To qualify for a given type of decision making, two of the
three elements in the table must be either met or
exceeded.
The level of the lower of the two highest components
determines the level of MDM.
Some Examples
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
RISK DATA DX/MGT
COMPLEXITY
MDM
Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight-
forward
Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low
Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate
High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
RISK DATA DX/MGT
COMPLEXITY
MDM
Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight-
forward
Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low
Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate
High 4
(extensive) 4(extensive) High
Complexity of Medical
Decision-Making
RISK DATA DX/MGT
COMPLEXITY
MDM
Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal)
Straight-
forward
(99201-99202)
Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low
(99203)
Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate
(99204)
High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
(99205)
Evaluation and Management Services
History  Chief complaint (CC); history of present illness HPI;
systems review (ROS); past, family, and social history (PFSH) .
Exam  Physical examination of the patient.
Medical Decision Making  Diagnosis or management
options; amount and/or complexity of data to be reviewed;
risk of complications and/or morbidity or mortality.
History
Problem Focused  CC, and brief HPI or condition.
Expanded Problem Focused  CC, brief HPI, and a
problem-pertinent ROS.
Detailed  CC, expanded HPI, a ROS, and pertinent
PFSH.
Comprehensive  CC, extended HPI, extended ROS,
and complete PFSH.
Chief Complaint (CC)
Is a concise statement. . .
usually in the patients own words or the patients
primary caregivers (which could be a parent or the legal
guardian to the patient) own words that . . .
describes the symptoms, problems, conditions,
diagnoses or other factors that explain the reason for
the visit.
Chief Complaint (CC)
Sign, Symptom or Condition pain, shortness of breath,
fever.
Management or Follow-up Visit  management of
diabetes & hypertension, Follow-up visit for dizziness
Request for Service - Annual physical examination with
complaints of weakness and malaise
History of Present Illnes
Chronological history surrounding the present
problem  must be described using:
 Location
 Quality
 Severity
 Duration
 Timing
 Context
 Modifying Factor
 Associated Signs & Symptoms
Review of Systems (ROS) levels
Problem Pertinent (1 system)- directly related to the
patients problem.
Extended (2-9 systems)- directly related to the patients
problem identified in the HPI and limited number of
additional systems.
Comprehensive (10 or more systems)- directly related to
the patients problem in the HPI plus all additional body
systems.
Review of Systems (ROS)
A ROS obtained during an earlier encounter
does not need to be re-recorded if there is
evidence that the physician reviewed and
updated the previous information.
The same documentation guidelines can be
applied when re-recording a previously
documented patients Past Family Social
History (PFSH).
Review of Systems (ROS)
Example of confirming ROS statement by
the physician:
 The patient indicates that he has not experienced
any of the symptoms on the ROS form.
 The physician documents in the patients chart
note All systems were reviewed and were
negative.
 The physicians documentation of the patients
ROS would now qualify as Comprehensive.
Past Medical, Family and
Social History
Patients Past Medical History
 Prior illness, surgeries, medications (current or past)
Family History
 Hereditary diseases
 Death of parents, siblings
Social History
 Smoking , alcohol, drug, caffeine consumption
 Socio-economic concerns
 Occupational History
Level of History?
Level of History
HISTORY
Problem
Focused
Expanded
Problem
Focused
Detailed Comprehensive
HPI Brief (1-3) Brief (1-3) Extended (4+) Extended (4+)
ROS None (0)
Problem
Pertinent (1)
Extended
(2-9)
Complete (10+)
PFSH None (0) None (0)
Pertinent
(1)
Complete (3)
Physical Examination (PE)
Comprehensive Exam- General multi-
system exam
Or,
A complete exam of a single organ system
Body Systems/Areas
 Eyes  Psych
 ENMT  Hem/Lymph/Imm
 Respiratory  Head, including Face
 Cardiovascular  Neck
 GI  Chest/breasts/axilla
 GU  Abdomen
 Musco  Genitalia/groin
 Skin  Back
 Neuro  Each Extremity
Physical Examination (PE)
System/Body Area Elements of Examination
Constitutional
*Any 3 of 7 VS *General appearance of patient (Nourishment, habits,
deformities, grooming, etc.)
Eyes *Conjunctiva & Eyelids *Pupils & Irises *Optic Disc
ENMT
*External Ears & Nose *EAC & TM *Hearing *OP *Lips Teeth & Gums *Nasal
Mucosa, Septum , Turbinates
Neck *Neck * Thyroid *Oropharynx
Respiratory
*Effort *Auscultation *Percussion *Palpation *Inspection of Chest with
notation of symmetry and expansion
Cardiovascular
*Palpitations *Ausculation *Exam of peripheral vascular system by observation
:Carotids , Abdominal aorta, FA, PP, Edema, Varicose
System/Body Area Elements of Examination
Chest *Inspection of breasts *Palpation of breasts & Axilla
Gastrointestinal *Masses, Tenderness * Examination of Liver & Spleen *Hernia *Anus , rectum
Genitourinary *Male-Scrotal contents, Penis, PG *Female-Ext Genit,CX,Uterus
Lymph *Palpation of Lymph Nodes in 2 or > areas-Neck , Axilla , Groin , Other
Integumentary *Inspection & Palpation of Skin & Subcutaneous Tissues
Neurology *Cranial Nerves *DTRs *Sensation
Psychiatry *Orientation to Time/Person/Place *Memory *Mood & Affect
Musculoskeletal
*Gait & Station *Assessment of muscle strength & tone with notation of
atrophy and abnormal movements *Inspection/Palpation of digits & nails
Physical Examination (PE)
Physical Examination (PE)
Problem Focused Exam  Limited exam of affected body area or
organ system - 1 to 5 elements (out of 16)
Expanded Problem Focused Exam  Limited exam of affected
body area or organ system - at least 6 elements (out of 16)
Detailed Exam- Extended examination of affected body area or
organ system - at least 12 elements (out of 16)
Comprehensive - Comprehensive Examination - at least 2
elements from 9 areas/systems
Requirements for 99204/205
4 HPI (Location, Quality, Severity, Duration, etc.)
10  Systems Reviewed
2  PFSH Documented
2 of 9 PE  2 elements of 9 systems Documented
4  MDM (High Risk, 4 Data, 4 Options) Evident
ICD 9-CM Coding
The CPT code or service is the driving force behind
reimbursement, however, the ICD-9 CM Diagnosis Code must
support the CPT code in order to be reimbursed.
The system of diagnosis codes used is the International
Classification of Disease (9th) revision, Clinical Modification.
The primary diagnosis must support or justify the physicians
service.
 For instance, the primary diagnosis by the consultant would be the reason for
the physician visit
 This diagnosis is not necessarily the admitting diagnosis.
ICD 9-CM Coding
According to the ICD-9 Official Coding Guidelines a diagnosis can
only be assigned when it is explicitly stated in the patients medical
record.
 Diagnoses codes must be documented and supported in the patients
progress note for that date of service.
 When the physician provides more than one diagnosis code, the physician is
responsible for determining the primary diagnosis for the patients visit(s)
 Diagnosis codes must be sequenced (1, 2, 3 and 4) as an important part of the
billing process
 It is unacceptable to carry over a diagnosis code from one encounter to
another for billing purposes without restating the diagnosis in the current
patient visit.
What about Consultations?
Billing for Consultations vs. New Patient
Visits
CMS is no longer accepting claims for
consultations using CPT Code ranges
99241-99245 and 99251-99255 for
Other payors may still accept
consultation codes- check with the
payor.
What about Consultations?
Inpatient Services to Medicare Patients
 Bill services to a New Patient* using CPT Codes 99221-99223 once per
admission. Add modifier AI if you are the principal physician of record.
 Other services may be reported using Subsequent Hospital Care codes
(99231-99233), including services to
 complete the initial visit,
 monitor progress,
 revise recommendations, or
 address a new problem.
 * A New Patient is a patient neither you or any member of your Group
(same tax ID# used for billing) have seen in the past three years.
What about Consultations?
Outpatient Services to Medicare Patients
 Bill services to a New Patient* using CPT Codes 99201-99205 for the
first visit.
 Other services may be reported using Established Patient codes (99211-
99215).
 * A New Patient is a patient neither you or any member of your Group
(same tax ID# used for billing) have seen in the past three years.
General Principles of Medical Records
Documentation
Complete and Legible
Each encounter should include:
 Reason/Chief Complaint
 Relevant History
 PE findings
 Diagnostic Test results
 Assessment/Diagnosis
 Plan for care
 Date of Service
 Legible identity of the provider
Progress, response to and changes in treatment and revision of
diagnosis should be documented
CPT & ICD 9 CM codes reported or the billing statement should be
supported by documentation in the medical record
Course Complete!
Providing Excellence Since 1989
Phone
(909) 931-7600
Web
www.foxgrp.com
Email
contact@foxgrp.com

More Related Content

Risk Based Coding Physician Training - The Fox Group.pdf

  • 2. This presentation about documentation & coding is designed to take a complex issue and make it Logical Meaningful useful
  • 3. What is Risk-Based E&M Coding? The three elements of E&M Coding Include: History Physical Examination Medical Decision-Making The MDM is usually the ultimate determining factor for level of service. The risk to the patient is a major component of MDM
  • 4. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making Risk Minimal Low Moderate High Data Minimal Limited Moderate Extensive Diagnoses/Medical Management Options Minimal Limited Multiple Extensive
  • 6. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making RISK DATA DX/MGT COMPLEXITY MDM Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight- forward Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
  • 7. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making Risk Patients at High Risk include: One or more chronic illnesses with severe exacerbations, progression, or side effects of treatment Acute or chronic illnesses or injury that pose a threat to life or bodily function, e.g. multiple trauma, acute MI, pulmonary embolus, severe respiratory distress And needs diagnostic testing or procedural intervention Risk Patients at Moderate Risk include: One or more chronic illnesses with mild exacerbations, progression, or side effects of treatment Two or more stable chronic illnesses Undiagnosed new problem with uncertain prognosis, e.g. lump in breast Acute illness with systemic symptoms, e.g., pyelonephritis, pneumonitis, colitis And needs diagnostic testing or procedural intervention
  • 8. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making Risk Patients at Low Risk include: Two or more self-limited or minor problems One stable chronic illness, e.g. well controlled hypertension or non- insulin dependent diabetes, cataract, BPH Acute uncomplicated illness or injury, e.g. cystitis, allergic rhinitis, simple sprain And needs diagnostic testing or treatment, e.g., medications, rehab therapy Risk Patients with Minimal Risk include: One self-limited or minor problems, e.g. cold, insect bite, tinea corporis And needs diagnostic testing, e.g., laboratory tests requiring venipuncture or treatment, e.g., rest, gargle
  • 10. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making RISK DATA DX/MGT COMPLEXITY MDM Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight- forward Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
  • 11. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making Data includes review of Clinical Information: Clinical lab(s) (all labs = 1 pt.); X-ray(s)(all imaging studies = 1 pt); Decision to obtain old records (=1 pt); Direct visualization/interpretation of study (= 1pt); Other Medical diagnostic test(s)(=1pt); Discussion of unexpected results with performing/interpreting physician (=1 pt). 2 points for review and summary of old record from source other than patient
  • 12. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making Data Minimal 1 Data Element (1 point of Data) Limited..2 Data Elements (2 points of Data Moderate...3 Data Elements (3 points of Data Extensive 4 or more Data Elements (at least 4 points of Data
  • 14. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making RISK DATA DX/MGT COMPLEXITY MDM Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight- forward Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
  • 15. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making Diagnoses/Medical Management Options Minimal one self-limited problem (existing or new) Limited more than presenting problem, well controlled, or a new problem not controlled or worsening Multiple - a new problem, with no additional work-up planned or multiple diagnoses problems as described above Extensive a new problem with additional work-up planned, or multiple diagnoses/problems as described above
  • 17. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making RISK DATA DX/MGT COMPLEXITY MDM Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight- forward Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
  • 18. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making The MDM is usually the ultimate determining factor for level of service. To qualify for a given type of decision making, two of the three elements in the table must be either met or exceeded. The level of the lower of the two highest components determines the level of MDM.
  • 20. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making RISK DATA DX/MGT COMPLEXITY MDM Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight- forward Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High
  • 21. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making RISK DATA DX/MGT COMPLEXITY MDM Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight- forward Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate High 4 (extensive) 4(extensive) High
  • 22. Complexity of Medical Decision-Making RISK DATA DX/MGT COMPLEXITY MDM Minimal 1 (minimal) 1 (minimal) Straight- forward (99201-99202) Low 2 (limited) 2 (limited) Low (99203) Moderate 3 (mod) 3 (multiple) Moderate (99204) High 4 (extensive) 4 (extensive) High (99205)
  • 23. Evaluation and Management Services History Chief complaint (CC); history of present illness HPI; systems review (ROS); past, family, and social history (PFSH) . Exam Physical examination of the patient. Medical Decision Making Diagnosis or management options; amount and/or complexity of data to be reviewed; risk of complications and/or morbidity or mortality.
  • 24. History Problem Focused CC, and brief HPI or condition. Expanded Problem Focused CC, brief HPI, and a problem-pertinent ROS. Detailed CC, expanded HPI, a ROS, and pertinent PFSH. Comprehensive CC, extended HPI, extended ROS, and complete PFSH.
  • 25. Chief Complaint (CC) Is a concise statement. . . usually in the patients own words or the patients primary caregivers (which could be a parent or the legal guardian to the patient) own words that . . . describes the symptoms, problems, conditions, diagnoses or other factors that explain the reason for the visit.
  • 26. Chief Complaint (CC) Sign, Symptom or Condition pain, shortness of breath, fever. Management or Follow-up Visit management of diabetes & hypertension, Follow-up visit for dizziness Request for Service - Annual physical examination with complaints of weakness and malaise
  • 27. History of Present Illnes Chronological history surrounding the present problem must be described using: Location Quality Severity Duration Timing Context Modifying Factor Associated Signs & Symptoms
  • 28. Review of Systems (ROS) levels Problem Pertinent (1 system)- directly related to the patients problem. Extended (2-9 systems)- directly related to the patients problem identified in the HPI and limited number of additional systems. Comprehensive (10 or more systems)- directly related to the patients problem in the HPI plus all additional body systems.
  • 29. Review of Systems (ROS) A ROS obtained during an earlier encounter does not need to be re-recorded if there is evidence that the physician reviewed and updated the previous information. The same documentation guidelines can be applied when re-recording a previously documented patients Past Family Social History (PFSH).
  • 30. Review of Systems (ROS) Example of confirming ROS statement by the physician: The patient indicates that he has not experienced any of the symptoms on the ROS form. The physician documents in the patients chart note All systems were reviewed and were negative. The physicians documentation of the patients ROS would now qualify as Comprehensive.
  • 31. Past Medical, Family and Social History Patients Past Medical History Prior illness, surgeries, medications (current or past) Family History Hereditary diseases Death of parents, siblings Social History Smoking , alcohol, drug, caffeine consumption Socio-economic concerns Occupational History
  • 33. Level of History HISTORY Problem Focused Expanded Problem Focused Detailed Comprehensive HPI Brief (1-3) Brief (1-3) Extended (4+) Extended (4+) ROS None (0) Problem Pertinent (1) Extended (2-9) Complete (10+) PFSH None (0) None (0) Pertinent (1) Complete (3)
  • 34. Physical Examination (PE) Comprehensive Exam- General multi- system exam Or, A complete exam of a single organ system
  • 35. Body Systems/Areas Eyes Psych ENMT Hem/Lymph/Imm Respiratory Head, including Face Cardiovascular Neck GI Chest/breasts/axilla GU Abdomen Musco Genitalia/groin Skin Back Neuro Each Extremity
  • 36. Physical Examination (PE) System/Body Area Elements of Examination Constitutional *Any 3 of 7 VS *General appearance of patient (Nourishment, habits, deformities, grooming, etc.) Eyes *Conjunctiva & Eyelids *Pupils & Irises *Optic Disc ENMT *External Ears & Nose *EAC & TM *Hearing *OP *Lips Teeth & Gums *Nasal Mucosa, Septum , Turbinates Neck *Neck * Thyroid *Oropharynx Respiratory *Effort *Auscultation *Percussion *Palpation *Inspection of Chest with notation of symmetry and expansion Cardiovascular *Palpitations *Ausculation *Exam of peripheral vascular system by observation :Carotids , Abdominal aorta, FA, PP, Edema, Varicose
  • 37. System/Body Area Elements of Examination Chest *Inspection of breasts *Palpation of breasts & Axilla Gastrointestinal *Masses, Tenderness * Examination of Liver & Spleen *Hernia *Anus , rectum Genitourinary *Male-Scrotal contents, Penis, PG *Female-Ext Genit,CX,Uterus Lymph *Palpation of Lymph Nodes in 2 or > areas-Neck , Axilla , Groin , Other Integumentary *Inspection & Palpation of Skin & Subcutaneous Tissues Neurology *Cranial Nerves *DTRs *Sensation Psychiatry *Orientation to Time/Person/Place *Memory *Mood & Affect Musculoskeletal *Gait & Station *Assessment of muscle strength & tone with notation of atrophy and abnormal movements *Inspection/Palpation of digits & nails Physical Examination (PE)
  • 38. Physical Examination (PE) Problem Focused Exam Limited exam of affected body area or organ system - 1 to 5 elements (out of 16) Expanded Problem Focused Exam Limited exam of affected body area or organ system - at least 6 elements (out of 16) Detailed Exam- Extended examination of affected body area or organ system - at least 12 elements (out of 16) Comprehensive - Comprehensive Examination - at least 2 elements from 9 areas/systems
  • 39. Requirements for 99204/205 4 HPI (Location, Quality, Severity, Duration, etc.) 10 Systems Reviewed 2 PFSH Documented 2 of 9 PE 2 elements of 9 systems Documented 4 MDM (High Risk, 4 Data, 4 Options) Evident
  • 40. ICD 9-CM Coding The CPT code or service is the driving force behind reimbursement, however, the ICD-9 CM Diagnosis Code must support the CPT code in order to be reimbursed. The system of diagnosis codes used is the International Classification of Disease (9th) revision, Clinical Modification. The primary diagnosis must support or justify the physicians service. For instance, the primary diagnosis by the consultant would be the reason for the physician visit This diagnosis is not necessarily the admitting diagnosis.
  • 41. ICD 9-CM Coding According to the ICD-9 Official Coding Guidelines a diagnosis can only be assigned when it is explicitly stated in the patients medical record. Diagnoses codes must be documented and supported in the patients progress note for that date of service. When the physician provides more than one diagnosis code, the physician is responsible for determining the primary diagnosis for the patients visit(s) Diagnosis codes must be sequenced (1, 2, 3 and 4) as an important part of the billing process It is unacceptable to carry over a diagnosis code from one encounter to another for billing purposes without restating the diagnosis in the current patient visit.
  • 42. What about Consultations? Billing for Consultations vs. New Patient Visits CMS is no longer accepting claims for consultations using CPT Code ranges 99241-99245 and 99251-99255 for Other payors may still accept consultation codes- check with the payor.
  • 43. What about Consultations? Inpatient Services to Medicare Patients Bill services to a New Patient* using CPT Codes 99221-99223 once per admission. Add modifier AI if you are the principal physician of record. Other services may be reported using Subsequent Hospital Care codes (99231-99233), including services to complete the initial visit, monitor progress, revise recommendations, or address a new problem. * A New Patient is a patient neither you or any member of your Group (same tax ID# used for billing) have seen in the past three years.
  • 44. What about Consultations? Outpatient Services to Medicare Patients Bill services to a New Patient* using CPT Codes 99201-99205 for the first visit. Other services may be reported using Established Patient codes (99211- 99215). * A New Patient is a patient neither you or any member of your Group (same tax ID# used for billing) have seen in the past three years.
  • 45. General Principles of Medical Records Documentation Complete and Legible Each encounter should include: Reason/Chief Complaint Relevant History PE findings Diagnostic Test results Assessment/Diagnosis Plan for care Date of Service Legible identity of the provider Progress, response to and changes in treatment and revision of diagnosis should be documented CPT & ICD 9 CM codes reported or the billing statement should be supported by documentation in the medical record
  • 47. Providing Excellence Since 1989 Phone (909) 931-7600 Web www.foxgrp.com Email contact@foxgrp.com