Advanced Search

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

Clip and Save:

Capture HPI Elements Using These Questions

Published on Sat May 22, 2010

Get your gastroenterologist to capture the information you need with this handy list.When counting elements, check to see how many of these eight questions your gastroenterologist answers in the notes:What is the location of the problem? (location of pain, mass, or organ involved)What is the quality of the problem? (quality)How intense is the pain or problem? (severity)How long has the patient had the problem? (duration)Is the problem better or worse at any time of the day? (timing)What is the setting or circumstances in which the problem occurs? (context)What can the patient do to alleviate or aggravate the problem? (modifying factors)What other symptoms and signs does the patient have in relation to the chief complaint? (associated signs and symptoms)Note: Payers that follow CPT guidelines won't accept duration as an HPI element, so don't include it in your HPI count for those claims.
You’ve reached your limit of free articles. Already a subscriber? Log in.
Not a subscriber? Subscribe today to continue reading this article. Plus, you’ll get:
  • Simple explanations of current healthcare regulations and payer programs
  • Real-world reporting scenarios solved by our expert coders
  • Industry news, such as MAC and RAC activities, the OIG Work Plan, and CERT reports
  • Instant access to every article ever published in your eNewsletter
  • 6 annual AAPC-approved CEUs*
  • The latest updates for CPT®, ICD-10-CM, HCPCS Level II, NCCI edits, modifiers, compliance, technology, practice management, and more
*CEUs available with select eNewsletters.

Other Articles in this issue of

Gastroenterology Coding Alert

View All