PIP DQ4: Accuracy between Encounter and Medical Record Data



PIP DQ4: Accuracy between Encounter and Medical Record DataMedical Record Audit Tool Companion GuideThe following chart is an overview of the steps within each category of the tool and how each category result determines the overall E/M level. This guide reviews each step and category in detail.CategoryStepsStep ResultCategory Result (red text on tool)A. History Level (HX)1a. History of Present Illness (HPI)BriefProblem Focused Extended Problem FocusedDetailedComprehensiveExtended2a. Review of System (ROS)PertinentExtendedComplete3a. Past Family and Social History (PFSH)PertinentCompleteB. Examination Level1b. Body Area (BA)n/aProblem Focused Extended Problem FocusedDetailedComprehensive2b. Organ System (OS)C. Complexity of Medical Decision Making1c. Number of Diagnosis or Management OptionsMinimal Straight-ForwardLow ComplexityModerate ComplexityHigh ComplexityLimitedMultipleExtensive2c. Amount and/or Complexity of Data ReviewedMinimal or noneLimitedModerateExtensive3c. Risk of Complications, Morbidity, and/or MortalityMinimal LowModerateHighD. Time3 questionsn/an/aE. Level of ServiceNew PatientCombine all category (A-D) results in this section of the tool 9920199202992039920499205Established Patient9921199212992139921499215IntroductionThe following companion guide provides details on standards for medical record documentation and instructions for how to audit a medical record to determine the proper evaluation and management (E/M) code. Use this companion guide in collaboration with the Medical Record Audit Tool. The components of the Medical Record Audit tool appear in the Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) manual within the descriptors for Evaluation and Management services. While some of the text of CPT has been repeated here, the reader may refer to CPT for additional information. General Principles of Medical Record DocumentationMedical record documentation is required to record pertinent facts, findings, and observations about an individual's health history including past and present illnesses, examinations, tests, treatments, and outcomes. The medical record chronologically documents the care of the patient and is an important element contributing to high-quality care. The medical record facilitates:the ability of the physician and other health care providers to evaluate and plan the patient’s immediate treatment, and to monitor the patient’s health care over time;communication and continuity of care among physicians and other health care providers involved in the patient’s care;accurate and timely claims review and payment; and appropriate utilization review and quality of care evaluations.The principles of documentation listed below are applicable to all types of medical and surgical services in all settings. For Evaluation and Management services, the nature and amount of physician work and documentation varies by type of service, place of service and the patient's health status. The general principles listed below may be modified to account for the variable circumstances in providing E/M services.The medical record should be complete and legible.The documentation of each patient encounter should include:reason for the encounter and relevant history, physical examination findings and prior diagnostic test results;assessment, clinical impression or diagnosis; plan for care; and date and legible identity of the observer.If not documented, the rationale for ordering diagnostic and other ancillary services should be easily inferred. Past and present diagnoses should be accessible to the treating and/or consulting physician. Appropriate health risk factors should be identified.The patient's progress, response to and changes in treatment, and revision of diagnosis should be documented. The procedure and diagnosis codes reported on the health insurance claim form or billing statement should be supported by the documentation in the medical record.If it isn’t documented in the medical record, it is assumed that it wasn’t performed, and should not be coded or billed. Evaluation and Management AuditingHistory, examination and medical decision making are the key components in selecting the level of E/M services. In addition to the three key components, time may be a controlling factor to qualify for a particular level of E/M service. Therefore the following guide will provide guidance for documenting and evaluating the following to determine the appropriate level of E/M for the visit:HistoryExaminationMedical Decision MakingTimeHistory Level (HX)History level is determined by a review of three main elements: 1) history of present illness, 2) review of systems and 3) past family and social history. Information on the medical record can only be used to substantiate a single element. Here are the four types of history level and the elements used to determine the level:There are four types of history levels:Problem FocusedExpanded Problem FocusedDetailedComprehensiveGeneral Documentation Guidelines for Recording History: A chief complaint is indicated at all levels, and is required documentation for all levels.The chief compliant is a concise statement describing the symptom, problem, condition, diagnosis, physician recommended return, or other factor that is the reason for the encounter. Each medical encounter record should clearly reflect the chief complaint.A ROS and/or a PFSH obtained during an earlier encounter does not need to be re-recorded if there is evidence that the physician reviewed and updated the previous information. This may occur when a physician updates his or her own record or in an institutional setting or group practice where many physicians use a common record. The review and update may be documented by describing any new ROS and/or PFSH information or noting there has been no change in the information; and noting the date and location of the earlier ROS and/or PFSH.The ROS and/or PFSH may be recorded by ancillary staff or on a form completed by the patient. To document that the physician reviewed the information, there must be a notation supplementing or confirming the information recorded by others.If the physician is unable to obtain a history from the patient or other source, the record should describe the patient's condition or other circumstance which precludes obtaining a history.Guidelines for Audting History: The chief complaint (CC), review of systems (ROS) and patient family social history (PFSH) may be listed as separate elements of history, or they may be included in the description of the history of the present illness. When auditing these elements, each element should only be considered once to satisfy the requirements for either HPI, ROS or PSFH.Step 1: History of Present Illness (HPI)The HPI is a chronological description of the development of the patient's present illness from the first sign and/or symptom or from the previous encounter to the present. It includes the following elements:Location-Where the problem is located (ex. right arm)Quality-Description of the symptoms (ex. sharp, dull, stabbing, etc.)Severity-Description of the level of pain or impact on life (ex. pain is a 6 on a scale of 1-10)Duration-How long problem has occurred. (ex. started a week ago)Timing-How long it lasts, or when problem occurs. (ex. pain lasts for 30 minutes, or happens every evening)Context-Circumstances surrounding the problem. (ex. lifted large box, occurs whenever I eat)Modifying Factors-What changes the condition of the problem. (ex. feels better after applying ice, took antibiotics for a week)Associated Signs and Symptoms- Other symptoms associated with presenting problem. (ex. swelling, fatigue)There are two levels of HPI: Brief and Extended.LevelsBrief Extended Description1-3 elements of the HPI4 or more elements of the present HPI, or associated comorbiditiesExample CC: Patient complains of foot painBrief HPI: Throbbing ache in right foot since : Foot painExtended HPI: Patient complains of stabbing pain in right foot that began yesterday. Patient states he dropped a frozen turkey on his foot. Pain relieved somewhat by ibuprofen and ice packs, but has not reduced swelling.ExplanationIn the example, three HPI elements (location-right foot, quality-throbbing ache, and duration-since yesterday) are documented. In the example, six HPI elements (Location-right foot, Quality-stabbing pain, Duration-began yesterday, Context-dropped turkey, Modifying Factor-ibuprofen and ice, and Associated Signs and Symptoms-swelling) are documented.Step 2: Review of Systems (ROS)A ROS is an inventory of body systems obtained through a series of questions seeking to identify signs and/or symptoms which the patient may be experiencing or has experienced. For the purpose of ROS, the following systems are recognized:Constitutional Symptoms (ex. Weight loss, fever)EyesEars, nose, mouth, throatCardiovascularRespiratoryGastrointestinalGenitourinaryMusculoskeletalIntegumentary (skin and/or breast)NeurologicalPsychiatricEndocrineHematologic/LymphaticAllergic/ImmunologicThere are 3 levels of ROS: pertinent, extended, and complete.LevelsPertinent ExtendedCompleteDescriptionA pertinent ROS inquires about the system (1-2) directly related to the problem(s) identified in the HPI. An extended ROS inquires about the systems (2-8) directly related to the problem(s) identified in the HPI and a limited number of additional systems.A complete ROS inquires about the systems directly related to the problem(s) identified in the HPI plus all additional body systems. At least 10 organ systems must be reviewed. Those systems with positive or pertinent negative responses must be individually documented. For the remaining systems, a notation indicating all other systems are negative is permissible. In the absence of such a notation, at least ten systems must be individually documented.ExampleCC: EaracheROS: Positive for left ear pain, denies tinnitus or : Follow-up visit, post appendectomy. ROS: Patient states she feels great and denies any abdominal pain or bloating. Reports return to normal bowel movements. Complains about itchiness and bleeding at incision : HeadacheROS: Constitutional: lost 5 lbs. since last visit, fatigueEyes: blurry vision and sensitivity to light reported. ENMT: sound sensitive, frequently has ringing in ears. Nose is always “clogged”Cardio: + for palpitations, does not report edemaResp: No complaintsGI: Nausea during and after headache, denies other GI symptomsGU: Complains of heavy, off cycle, menstruationMusc: Frequent back and neck pain Neurological: frequent headaches, balance is “off”Psychiatric: feels “crazy” headaches are worsening depressionExplanationIn the example, one system-the ear-is reviewedIn the example, 2 systems-Gastrointestinal and Integumentary-are reviewed. In the example, 10 systems were reviewed.Step 3: Past, Family and/or Social History (PFSH)The PFSH consists of a review of three areas:Past history (the patient's past experiences with illnesses, operations, injuries and treatments);Family history (a review of medical events in the patient's family, including diseases which may be hereditary or place the patient at risk); andSocial history (an age appropriate review of past and current activities).There are two levels of PFSH: Pertinent and Complete.LevelsPertinentCompleteNew PatientAt least 1 area reviewed related to the chief complaintAll 3 areas reviewedEstablished Patient2-3 areas reviewedStep 4: History Level CalculationThe chart below shows the progression of the elements required for each type of history. To qualify for a given type of history, all three elements in the table must be met. Select the row with the least severity as the final history level. History of Presenting Illness (HPI)Review of Systems (ROS)Past, Family, Social History (PFSH)History LevelN/AN/AN/AProblem FocusedBriefPertinentN/AExpanded Problem FocusedExtendedExtendedPertinentDetailedExtendedCompleteCompleteComprehensiveExamination LevelThe levels of E/M services are based on four types of examination and are defined as follows:Problem FocusedExpanded Problem FocusedDetailedComprehensiveA limited examination of the affected body area or organ systemA limited examination of the affected body area or organ system and other symptomatic or related organ system(s)An extended examination of the affected body area(s) and other symptomatic or related organ system(s)A general multi-system examination or complete examination of a single organ systemGeneral Documentation Guidelines for Recording Examination: An examination may involve several organ systems or a single organ system. The type and extent of the examination performed is based upon clinical judgment, the patient’s history, and nature of the presenting problem(s).Step 1: Body Area (BA)For purposes of examination, the following body areas are recognized:Head, including the faceNeckChest, including breasts and axillaeAbdomenGenitalia, groin, buttocksBack, including spineEach extremityStep 2: Organ systems (OS)For purposes of examination, the following organ systems are recognized:Constitutional (e.g., vital signs, general appearance)EyesEars, nose, mouth and throatCardiovascularRespiratoryGastrointestinalGenitourinaryMusculoskeletalSkin Neurologic PsychiatricHematologic/lymphatic/immunologicStep 3: Examination Level Calculation There are two versions of documentation guidelines – the 1995 version and the 1997 version. For the purposes of this medical record audit, the 1995 guideleines are used.Type of ExamDescriptionProblem FocusedLimited examination of one affected Body Area (BA) or Organ System (OS)Expanded Problem FocusedLimited examination of 2-7 affected BA and/or OS and other related OSDetailedExpanded (more than one element of each BA or OS) examination of 2-7 BA and/or OS and other realted OSComprehensiveA multisystem examination of 8 or more OS (Note: does not include BA)Complexity of Medical Decision MakingMedical decision making refers to the complexity of establishing a diagnosis and/or selecting a management option, which is determined by considering the following factors:The number of possible diagnoses and/or the number of management options that must be considered;The amount and/or complexity of medical records, diagnostic tests, and/or other information that must be obtained, reviewed, and analyzed; andThe risk of significant complications, morbidity, and/or mortality as well as comorbidities associated with the patient’s presenting problem(s), the diagnostic procedure(s), and/or the possible management options.Level of Medical Decision Making ComplexityStraight-ForwardLow ComplexityModerate ComplexityHigh ComplexityMinimal diagnosis and management options, complexity of data reviewed, and risk of complication(s)Limited diagnosis and management options, complexity of data reviewed, and low risk of complication(s)Mulitple diagnosis, and minimal management options, complexity of data reviewed and risk of complication(s)Extensive diagnosis and management options, complexity of data reviewed and high risk of complication(s)General Documentation Guidelines for Recording Examination: For each encounter, an assessment, clinical impression, or diagnosis should be documented. It may be explicitly stated or implied in documented decisions regarding management plans and/or further evaluation.If a diagnostic service (test or procedure) is ordered, planned, scheduled, or performed at the time of the E/M encounter, the type of service, eg, lab or x-ray, should be documented. The review of lab, radiology and/or other diagnostic tests should be documented. An entry in a progress note such as "WBC elevated" or "chest x-ray unremarkable" is acceptable. Alternatively, the review may be documented by initialing and dating the report containing the test results.A decision to obtain old records or decision to obtain additional history from the family, caretaker or other source to supplement that obtained from the patient should be documented.Relevant finding from the review of old records, and/or the receipt of additional history from the family, caretaker or other source should be documented. If there is no relevant information beyond that already obtained, that fact should be documented. A notation of "Old records reviewed" or "additional history obtained from family" without elaboration is insufficient.The results of discussion of laboratory, radiology or other diagnostic tests with the physician who performed or interpreted the study should be documented.The direct visualization and independent interpretation of an image, tracing or specimen previously or subsequently interpreted by another physician should be orbidities/underlying diseases or other factors that increase the complexity of medical decision making by increasing the risk of complications, morbidity, and/or mortality should be documented. If a surgical or invasive diagnostic procedure is ordered, planned or scheduled at the time of the E/M encounter, the type of procedure, eg, laparoscopy, should be documented. If a surgical or invasive diagnostic procedure is performed at the time of the E/M encounter, the specific procedure should be documented.The referral for or decision to perform a surgical or invasive diagnostic procedure on an urgent basis should be documented or implied.Guidelines for Auditing Medical Decision Making:The number of possible diagnoses and/or the number of management options that must be considered is based on the number and types of problems addressed during the encounter, the complexity of establishing a diagnosis and the management decisions that are made by the physician.The initiation of, or changes in, treatment should be documented. Treatment includes a wide range of management options including patient instructions, nursing instructions, therapies, and medications.Generally, decision making with respect to a diagnosed problem is easier than that for an identified but undiagnosed problem. The number and type of diagnostic tests employed may be an indicator of the number of possible diagnoses. Problems which are improving or resolving are less complex than those which are worsening or failing to change as expected. The need to seek advice from others is another indicator of complexity of diagnostic or management problems.Step 1: Number of Diagnoses or Management OptionsFor a presenting problem with an established diagnosis the record should reflect whether the problem is: a) improved, well controlled, resolving or resolved; or, b) inadequately controlled, worsening, or failing to change as expected.For a presenting problem without an established diagnosis, the assessment or clinical impression may be stated in the form of a differential diagnoses or as "possible", "probable", or "rule out" (R/O) diagnoses. If referrals are made, consultations requested or advice sought, the record should indicate to whom or where the referral or consultation is made or from whom the advice is requested.Step 2: Amount and/or Complexity of Data ReviewedThe amount and complexity of data reviewed is based on the types of diagnostic testing ordered or reviewed. A decision to obtain and review old medical records and/or obtain history from sources other than the patient increases the amount and complexity of data to be reviewed.Discussion of contradictory or unexpected test results with the physician who performed or interpreted the test is an indication of the complexity of data being reviewed. On occasion the physician who ordered a test may personally review the image, tracing or specimen to supplement information from the physician who prepared the test report or interpretation; this is another indication of the complexity of data being reviewed. Step 3: Risk of Complications, Morbidity, and/or MortalityThe risk of complications, morbidity, and/or mortality is based on the risks associated with the presenting problem(s), the diagnostic procedure(s), and the possible management options.The following table may be used to help determine whether the risk of significant complications, morbidity, and/or mortality is minimal, low, moderate, or high. Determination of risk can be complex and not readily quantifiable, the table includes common clinical examples. The assessment of risk of the presenting problem(s) is based on the risk related to the potential disease progression anticipated between the visit and the next visit. The highest level of risk in any one category (presenting problem(s), diagnostic procedure(s), or management options) determines the overall risk.Levelof RiskPresenting ProblemsDiagnostic Procedure(s) OrderedManagement Options SelectedMinimal? One self-limited or minor problem (cold, insect bite, tinea corporis)? Laboratory tests requiring venipuncture? Chest x-rays? EKG/EEG? Urinalysis? Ultrasound (echocardiography)? KOH prep? Rest? Gargles? Elastic bandages? Superficial dressingsLow? Two or more self-limited or minor problems? One stable chronic illness (well controlled hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes, cataract, BPH)? Acute uncomplicated illness or injury (cystitis, allergic rhinitis, simple sprain)? Physiologic tests not under stress (pulmonary function tests)? Non-cardiovascular imaging studies with contrast (barium enema)? Superficial needle biopsies? Clinical laboratory tests requiring arterial puncture? Skin biopsies? Over-the-counter drugs? Minor surgery with no identified risk factors? Physical therapy? Occupational therapy? IV fluids without additivesModerate? One or more chronic illnesses with mild exacerbation, progression, or side effects of treatment? Two or more stable chronic illnesses? Undiagnosed new problem with uncertain prognosis (lump in breast)? Acute illness with systemicsymptoms (pyelonephritis,pneumonitis, colitis)? Acute complicated injury(head injury with brief lossof consciousness)? Physiologic tests under stress (cardiac stress test, fetal contraction stress test)? Diagnostic endoscopies with no identified risk factors? Deep needle or incisional biopsy? Cardiovascular imaging studies with contrast and no identified risk factors (arteriogram, cardiac catheterization)? Obtain fluid from body cavity (lumbar puncture,thoracentesis, culdocentesis) ? Minor surgery with identified risk factors? Elective major surgery (open, percutaneous or endoscopic) with no identified risk factors? Prescription drugmanagement? Therapeutic nuclear medicine? IV fluids with additives? Closed treatment of fracture or dislocationwithout manipulation High? One or more chronic illnesses with severe exacerbation, progression, or side effects of treatment? Acute or chronic illnesses orinjuries that pose a threat to life or bodily function (multiple trauma, acute MI, pulmonary embolus, severe respiratory distress, progressive severe rheumatoid arthritis, psychiatric illness with potential threat to self or others, peritonitis, acute renal failure)? An abrupt change in neurologic status (seizure, TIA, weakness, sensory loss)? Cardiovascular imaging studies with contrast with identified risk factors? Cardiac electrophysiological tests? Diagnostic Endoscopies with identified risk factors? Discography? Elective major surgery (open, percutaneous orendoscopic) with identified risk factors? Emergency major surgery (open, percutaneous or endoscopic)? Parenteral controlledsubstances? Drug therapy requiring intensive monitoring for toxicity? Decision not to resuscitate or to de-escalate care because of poor prognosisStep 4: Complexity of Medical Decision Making Level CalculationTo qualify for a given type of decision making, two of the three elements in the table must be met. If this is not the case, select the level with the least complexity.A. Number of Diagnoses or Management OptionsB. Amount and/or Complexity of Data ReviewedC. Risk of Complications, Morbidity and/or MortalityComplexity of Medical Decision Making LevelMinimalMinimal or noneMinimalStraightforwardLimitedLimitedLowLow ComplexityMultipleModerateModerateModerate ComplexityExtensiveExtensiveHighHigh ComplexityTime General Documentation Guidelines for Recording Examination: If the physician elects to report the level of service based on counseling and/or coordination of care, the total length of time of the encounter (face-to-face or floor time, as appropriate) should be documented including total time and amount of time spent counseling or coordinating care with a description of the discussion.Guidelines for Auditing Medical Decision Making:In the case where counseling and/or coordination of care dominates (more than 50%) of the physician/patient and/or family encounter (face-to-face time in the office or other outpatient setting or floor/unit time in the hospital or nursing facility), time is considered the key or controlling factor to qualify for a particular level of E/M services. Level of ServiceNew PatientEstablished PatientAll of the key components (i.e. history, examination, and medical decision-making) must meet or exceed the element level to qualify for a particular level of service.Two of the three key components must meet or exceed the element level to qualify for a particular level of service. Please note: although only two key components are required for established patient visits, one of those components should be medical decision-making, as this also establishes the medical necessity of the entire visit. ................
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