Transition from 1995 to 1997 guidelines

[Thomas Koshy]

In a hospital, doctors of different specialities , were documenting their encounters ( outpatient visits ) in accordance with 1995 guidelines for past three years . Now there visits were audited according to 1997 guidelines.
Question ( 1 ) Do these providers need to be educated how to document according to 1997 guidelines ( becuse of the changes in physical examination documentation )
Question ( 2 ) These documentation when audited according to 1997 guidelines , will it show a lower level compared to that audited according to 1995 guidelines(if the doctors were not educated about the transition to 1997 guidelines from 1995 guidelines ) .
Question ( 3 ) Can some one provide me an audit tool for outpatient visits ( New & Established ) according to 1997 guidelines .

 

[Ruth Sheets]

This was answered during the February 2013 Q&A Webinar. You may view the replay of this video, as well as all the replays from the past, read the transcripts and answer sheets when you join the CCO Club. For more information, click here.

Laureen discussed the differences between the 95 and 97 Guidelines. Here are the reference links that Laureen shared in her discussion:

E/M University - Highly Recommended!
Official 1995 EM Guidelines
Official 1997 EM Guidelines
Medicare Learning Network EM Guide