Vicky Green
New
I've been researching the Physical Exam (PE) requirements under Medicare's 1995 guidelines for a complete PE. I even asked Noridian (Medicare Carrier) for their clarifiaction on whether comments on body areas count. For example, Neck: no JVD, flat neck veins, when the DR already used Cardiovascular as a system. I listed Noridian response below, its says no, then yes..?!! Can you use body areas, w/physical comment and get it counted with along your organ system comments to hit the 8 needed??? Help!
Noridian Response:
According to the 1995 guidelines eight organ systems must be examined. If body areas are examined and counted, they must be over and above the 8 organ systems. Organ systems or body areas, or a combination of both may be used. However, credit will not be given for one area of the body twice. As an example: credit won't be given for both abdomen in body areas and gastrointestinal in organ systems.
Noridian Response:
According to the 1995 guidelines eight organ systems must be examined. If body areas are examined and counted, they must be over and above the 8 organ systems. Organ systems or body areas, or a combination of both may be used. However, credit will not be given for one area of the body twice. As an example: credit won't be given for both abdomen in body areas and gastrointestinal in organ systems.