Did I read that right?
Vermonter ... did I read your statement correctly? The "more experienced" person is a MEDICARE AUDITOR?
If that's the case, I would ask her to explain to me, the newbie, about coding E/M, and take out the CPT book with the guidelines, so you can "underline and understand." Let her discover the rules for herself as she explains them to you. Then SHE can tell the doc about his errors.
If she doesn't concur, in the face of concrete evidence, then I'd wait until after she leaves the office to educate the physician. But given what you've said about his propensity to "fire on the spot" be prepared to look for another job.
Your understanding of the guidelines is absolutely correct.
F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC