tci ED Coding & Reimbursement Alert - 2009 Issue 12

Hone in on HPI Elements to Spot Level 4-5 Possibilities

You cannot code higher-level E/Ms without extended HPI. Properly counting the history of present illness (HPI) elements your ED physician addresses can make a world of difference in your E/M coding, as certain E/Ms are typically not possible without high-level HPI. Start HPI With First Symptom Coders should consider HPI a "description of the development of the patient's present illness, from the first sign or symptom to the present," explains Tracey Koch, CCS-P, ER client support coding and education manager at Comprehensive Medical Management in Newport, Ky. "HPI is the most important part of patient assessment. When you...

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