Appropriate Billing Levels

Medical Billing/Coding Analysis for 3 patient visits: Instructions: after reading the clinic notes for each of the 3 patient above, determine the level of billing based on the history, physical exam and complexity of medical decision making. You can highlight your choice in each category, but be sure to provide your rationale for your choice, based on the Medicare Evaluation Management guidelines (located in Module 4 documents). In the final row, select the overall level of billing for this visit, and provide your brief rationale for this level.

Example: Pt.#1 History: If I had highlighted "expanded problem focused," my rationale should include # elements addressed and # body organs/systems included to support the level I selected. Patient 1: Stephens Patient 2: Thomas Patient 3: Evans History Problem focused Exp problem focused Detailed Stephens Comprehensive Rationale: There was a detailed family and personal history provided as well as at least six different systems examined. Problem focused Exp problem focused Detailed Comprehensive Thomas Rationale: The patient and doctor discussed eight different areas of concern along with a limited family and personal history.

Along with the eight areas, a discussion was launched with the patient that included a number of areas of concern that had not been addressed within the last 12 months (and in fact it had been over 2 years since the patient had been examined). Problem focused Exp problem focused Evans Detailed Comprehensive Rationale: The doctor spoke to the patient about two separate issues, including the diagnosed poison ivy and her recent bout with UTI but very little personal or family history.

Physical Exam Problem focused Exp problem focused Detailed Comprehensive Stephens Rationale: At least ten different areas were examined and discussed with the patient. Family and personal history was included and discussed as well. Problem focused Exp problem focused Detailed Comprehensive Thomas Rationale: The exam included 5 different areas of concern, as well as a limited family and personal history. Problem focused Exp problem focused Evans Detailed Comprehensive Rationale: Evans had six elements that had been addressed. Complementing those elements was a limited family and personal history.

Decision Making Straightforward Low complexity Stephens Moderate complexity High Complexity Rationale: In Stephen's case there was limited risk of morbidity, a moderate amount of complexity, and a minimal diagnosis. Averaging the three components makes this a limited rationale. Straightforward Low complexity Moderate complexity - Thomas High Complexity Rationale: Giving Thomas the benefit of the doubt in regards to morbidity, the patient still has plenty of areas of concern.