E&M Coding Support for U.S. Billing Rules
R
Renata Chalfin
Currently, Heidi includes ICD-10 (DIAGNOSIS) codes to support documentation, but it does NOT, to my knowledge, include CPT (PROCEDURE CODE), or, more precisely, E&M (Evaluation & Management) coding + add on coding (such as G2211, G2212, 99483, etc) support.
It would be super helpful if it did, and provided rationales in certain sections, as desired.
It would be even more helpful if it automatically entered those CPT codes into my EMR (ecw) for that progress note.
For example:
Outpatient E/M (based on 25.1m audio duration + 20% prep time): 99214
Outpatient E/M (based on MDM): 99214
Level of MDM: Moderate
Visit type: Follow up
Problem complexity: High
Amount of Data reviewed: Low
Risk of complications: Moderate
Rationale for Problem complexity: The patient presents with multiple chronic conditions including chronic migraine, vestibular migraine, Hashimoto's disease, empty sella, and possible idiopathic intracranial hypertension (IIH). The IIH is currently not well-controlled, and the patient experienced significant side effects from the prescribed medication (acetazolamide), leading to an ER visit for dehydration. The patient also has a history of multiple mild concussions and other chronic conditions.
Rationale for Amount of Data reviewed: New laboratory studies were ordered for cognitive concerns. The physician reviewed prior notes from the ER visit at Baptist Health Emergency Care.
Rationale for Risk of complications: The patient is being managed for possible IIH with medication adjustments, which includes restarting acetazolamide at a lower dose and monitoring for side effects. There is a moderate risk due to the potential for significant side effects from the medication and the need for close monitoring.
Add-on code: G2211
Rationale for Add-on code: The physician and patient discuss a detailed plan for managing the patient's symptoms and medications, indicating a continued care relationship. The patient also mentions follow-up visits and ongoing management of her condition.
Tom
Thank you for posting, Renata Chalfin! I have a few more questions for you:
- What specific EHR systems, besides ecw, should we prioritize for integration with the CPT code entry feature?
- Are there any specific guidelines or standards we should follow when providing rationales for E&M coding?
- How important is it for the CPT code entry feature to work offline or in low-connectivity environments?
R
Renata Chalfin
Tom
I only use ECW, so I don't know what other EHR integrations should be prioritized. For now, if it can just be a section of the note or sidebar (like the tasks feature) that can be copy/pasted or ideally synced with the EMR.
For me, it's not necessary to work offline or in low-connectivity environment, but it may be important for others.
for specific giudeliness/standards, see these resources:
https://www.ama-assn.org/system/files/2023-e-m-descriptors-guidelines.pdf
https://www.aapc.com/resources/what-are-e-m-codes?srsltid=AfmBOoqTHN5i3XR2-qzVAdRGlZUhTfsxIIGzMS9KqGMT2X9OPsS85obA
https://emuniversity.com/