Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert
Points System's Days May Be Numbered
Published on Mon Oct 06, 2003 
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The "points system" for determining evaluation and management may be on its way out, coding experts say.
For now, you can still use the 1995 and 1997 guidelines for E/M coding , using whichever guideline is more advantageous to the provider. The only difference between the two guidelines
is the language on physical exams, coding experts say.
"The point system is easy for auditors to use, and it's easy for people who are auditing claims, but it's not as quick for the physicians to use," says Cheryl Gregg Fahrenholtz, president of Preferred Healthcare Solutions in Bellbrook, Ohio.
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