Hi Carrie,
I have asked this same exact question during webinars to both of the MACs in my region (NGS for Illinois and WPS for Missouri) and I cannot get either of them to answer this. They continue to refer me to the MDM grid/table provided by the AMA which gives no examples for the minimal and low risk and both of them stated to not use the 95 and 97 guidelines when leveling the MDM of office and other outpatient visits. Personally, since they are only examples, I don't see why we cannot refer to our previous knowledge of what constitutes minimal vs low risk (even if that knowledge came from the 95/97 guidelines. After all, they note in the 2021 Guidelines that the examples listed under moderate and high risk are "examples only.")
I also have a question related to risk. If a provider documents that a "patient is intolerant to statins" and recommends that the patient "continue proper diet and exercise" under the assessment and plan, would you count this as moderate risk for prescription drug management as the patient's intolerance to statins is impacting the provider's choice of treatment or is that a stretch? Any and all replies are greatly appreciated. I ask that you please provide a rationale.
Thanks.