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Because the people who designed it were hallucinating at the time.  Seriously, there is no rhyme or reason. You just have to practice it the way it is, because it is what it is. We can't change it or even understand it totally, but we do know one thing. Those who keep on with it finally get to a place where it isn't a problem for them. You'll get there too if you don't give up on it.

Hi Debbie. I also had a terrible time with the E/M codes. After spending countless hours trying to figure them out, I finally emailed Sue and she sent me a great explanation of the codes and some tips on how to choose them. I don't think I can share her email here but I'm sure if you email her, she will do the same for you. Good luck!

Seriously?  Just beginning the reading assignments on E/M coding...guess I have some fun to look forward to?  Heaven help me!  Glad I have a long weekend to work on this section! 

Well, I just bombed the first exam on E/M... seriously, is there any extra reading besides trying to google and hit and miss on what might be helpful or not helpful in understanding this section?   ARRRRGGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

I too am just starting this the E/M section and I am trying not to panic.  I found myself laughing during HCPCS because of the ridculousness of the organization of that book.  Really!  Anyone want to get together and reorganize HCPCS in their spare time?  We could make a fortune.  I was just stubbon enough to keep looking, page by page.  

So now I am on to E/M and trying to wrap my brain around it.  There must have been a reason to make it so complicated.  I keep thinking if I re-read the section it will make sense.  Nope.  I came up with a code and thought I understood why, then went to the examples and read them and then was totally lost again.  So back to square one.  I did give myself more time on this section and I am so glad I did.  It was from hearing from all of you that I planned it that way so thank you to those who wrote in and said it was difficult.  

When this section is all over with I will see if I have any wisdom to pass on.  But for now, I would just repeat what others have passed on before me: give yourselves a little extra time on this section.  

So back to studying.  Good luck to all!

There is ONE POSITIVE to this for Andrews students/graduates!

Andrews students/graduates are not afraid of the seemingly impossible. Many others learn coding at the "Introduction to Coding" level.

The fact that it is disorganized and difficult to understand means that students of many, if not most,  schools will only be exposed to 1-1/2 minutes of it. Their instructors won't be able to teach it because they never learned it themselves. Their students won't want to pursue it after the class is over. So, there will be many coders out there who won't know what they are doing.  You will!

THAT should be incentive to keep going when you want to throw your coding book, your computer, and ME, out the window.  :)

I'm still struggling with E/M coding if that makes anyone feel better.  As soon as I think I have it, I get a wrong answer.  I even went so far as to buy a seminar from someone named Don Self on E/M coding, but it was completely unrelated (as well as waaay too basic) for what we are studying at Andrews.  I've been reading through the E/M section and HCPCS books again and again.  Hopefully something will "click" soon. 

Is there any chance that previous modules will be made available again to use for review?

I have the same question as Adrian. Is there any chance we can have previous modules for review please?

I just this morning began the E/M coding reading assignment.  It is difficult to know even what to highlight or takes notes on.  Good thing I've allowed for a little extra time for this section, already overwhelmed! 

The gradebook and user setups in the new system unfortunately complicate things on our end.  In order to be able to best keep track of students currently active within a module, we have to keep the module restricted only to those active students.  Students who have finished that module already "clog up the works," so to speak, so no, we cannot let you retain access to previous modules. 

However, if you have a particular test or tests in an earlier module that you want to review the questions from, you may email me and I will be happy to forward a copy of that test to you to help your review.  Your instructors are also available to answer questions as you review, even if it's something that came up while looking over a previous module's textbook and not something directly from your current module.

-Glenda

Cynthia, Just take your time and keep going and ask questions.  I took both E/M exams on Monday (after fretting all weekend) and did much better than I expected!  You CAN do it! 

So Lana - Do you have any wisdom to pass along regarding E/M Services.  I still struggle with it.  Just asking......:)