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Pediatric Coding Alert

E/M Coding:

Choose the Correct Physical Exam Level Every Time With These 4 FAQs

Published on Thu Aug 18, 2011

Tip: Use Caution When Keeping E/M Templates at Hand.Whether you have significant coding experience or you're new to the field, chances are you've been baffled by choosing the accurate physical exam level at some point. Today we've got answers to four of the most frequentlyasked questions surrounding how to select the accurate level of physical exam, which will lead you to the right E/M code every time.1. How Do I Determine the Physical Examination Level?There are two sets of guidelines you should be familiar with before trying to determine the level of the physical examination key component for your E/M coding: 1995 and 1997 guidelines.Both sets of guidelines help you determine which of the following four levels of examinations you completed during an E/M service: problem-focused, expanded problem focused, detailed, and comprehensive. The level of exam is a factor in determining which code you can report: 99201- 99205 (Office or [...]
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