Wiki Physical Exam question

[melzinser]

Orthopedic doctor states in physical exam portion of note: "patient is neurovascularly intact in the lower extremities." How many and which bullets would this statement cover?
(We usually use 1997 Musculoskeletal Exam Guidelines for audit purposes.)

 

[FTessaBartels]

Neuro one bullet

The use of the word "neurovascular" makes me think all that is being examined is sensation in the lower extremities. So I would give a credit only for Neuro bullet
* Exam of sensation (e.g. by touch, pin, bivration, proprioception).

Hope that helps.

F Tessa Bartels, CPC, CEMC

 

[eadun2000]

I agree with F Tessa. I would only count as neuro. He did not say anything about the extremities "themselves". Just my opinion.