Regarding studying E/M. In another discussion I had mentioned AMCI which apparently is a coding training center. I was looking for E&M/CPC help and ran across these videos. Took a look. Listened to all three lengthy, detailed video presentations. Just sayin' in case you want to take a look. But really, as I was listening, following in the CPT, I could see that ALL of that was well taught already by Andrews. However, if you chose to check this out anyway I can save you some time; Just listen to the first few minutes on video #1 where she talks about "location." The juicy bit of info that struck me was something she said about location and I marked it for you as time line 4:00, or if you don't want to slide the time bar to 4:00, just listen to the first 4 or 5 minutes. It was pertinent info regarding E&M/CPC. That's all you need, no need in listening to the rest of the videos because Andrews has covered everything else she talks about, including emphasis on location. I just wanted to share that juicy tip with you at 4:00.
The next thing that was a help to me was on video 3 where she talks about choosing an EM when the doctor doesn't dictate the levels. The coder has to chose the level based on documentation. Andrews covered that, I have made a chart from when we studied this situation but it is so detailed and my notes in the chart are written so small in pencil, hard to read. And when we take that CPC we don't have time to read that half a page of chart and for sure one or two questions re: this will be on the CPC. Anyway, if you feel iffy about this you might want to watch her video #3 where this is described. After watching this section of her video I decided to go to my favorite trusted info place: AAPC and that is what I want to share with you.
http://static.aapc.com/ppdf/Audit_tool3.pdf. When you have to chose the E/M level, the information you want to look for is in the bottom of each section HPI and Exam where it tells you how many points to assign in order to decide what level to chose. I've copied the History info here so you would know what I'm referring to. You can find this same type of info in small, crowded print at the bottom of Exam chart. There is also a nice leveling chart at the bottom of the MDM. There are several charts but you want the one at the very bottom that has the heading Medical Decision Making. Of course, that refers back to the info above which we have already studied in Andrews and from which I have made notes that I can't read, too small.
PF=Brief HPI
EPF=Brief HPI, ROS (Pertinent=1)
Detailed= Extended HPI (4+) + ROS=(2-9) PFSH=1
Comprehensive= Extended HPI + ROS (10 + systems) PFSH=2 Established, 3 New Patient
If you are iffy about E/M like I was, I hope this helps.
Again, I have to say, I watched all three of those lengthy videos, never hurts to review, but as I watched and followed in the CPT I kept saying, um hmm, I already know that; yep, that's right, I know that; ahh, I already understood that - because of Andrews. Yes, still flying that flag for Andrews where preparation for coding is outstanding.
Donna G
Thank you, Donna, for taking the time to share this! I'm starting my CPC prep, and this will so help me!
You are welcome, Tracey.
http://static.aapc.com/a3c7c3fe-6fa1-4d67-8534-a3c9c8315fa0/1ed43b97-1be4-4129-b20d-001d3f82fb18/14312958-cbc2-4248-aef4-86ef29d9e03e.pdf
This is another AAPC WEB site. It has the most marvelous little charts, makes concepts so easy to grasp. Has examples. I copied the charts into my CPT for the sake of the CPC exam, and the info will also be helpful for work once I get a coding job. I've been receiving daily e-mails from Indeed about coding jobs and I seem to remember a few job offers for E/M coding specialists. I think I would enjoy that.
Best wishes to you on your CPC exam. Mine is coming up in three weeks.
Donna G