PIEDMONT ACCESS TO HEALTH SERVICES, INC.
Policy Number: 01-03-011
SUBJECT: Medical Patient Billing and Coding Chart Audits
EFFECTIVE DATE: 09/15/2013
REVIEWED/REVISED: 09/11/2013, 09/02/2014
POLICY: PATHS will maintain a high quality and attention to detail in activities related to documentation in patient records. This applies to all portions of the patient chart, but specifically issues related to coding and billing. PATHS will have established protocols to ensure the adequate training and supervision of all providers so as to ensure adequate and responsible coding and billing.
PROCEDURE:
1. PATHS’ Billing Coordinator, or designee, will complete two chart audits per medical provider, per month, using the form attached to this policy. The charts audited will be chosen at random from visits billed two or more months prior to the date of being marked as complete by the provider.
2. The findings of each audit will be scanned and stored in private, confidential files on PATHS’ network, and the original audit forms will be forwarded to PATHS’ Medical Director.
3. PATHS’ Medical Director will review the audit findings with each provider. Together, they will come up with an action plan to address any deficiencies.
SIGNATURES:
______/ ___ /______
Chief Executive Officer Date
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Medical Director Date
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Chief Operating Officer Date
______/ ___ /______
Billing Coordinator Date
01-03-011 Billing and Chart Audits
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Medical Coding Audit Worksheet
Provider: ______Audit Date: ___ / ___ / _____
Patient Name: ______Date of Birth: ___ / ___ / _____
Date of Services: ___ / ___ / _____ Insurance: ______
CPT Code(s) Selected: ______
Documented Diagnosis(es): ______
Visit Type: New Patient Chronic Disease Follow-up Physical
Acute Office Visit Hospital Follow-up
History of Present Illness (HPI) Elements / Review of Systems (ROS) Elements / History Elements Location
Quality
Severity
Duration
Timing
Context
Modifying Factors
Associated Signs and Symptoms
Status of 3 or more chronic conditions / Constitutional
Eyes
ENT/Mouth
CV
Respiratory
GI
GU
Musculoskeletal
Integ/Skin/Breast
Neurological
Psych
Endo
Hem/Lymph
Allerg/Immuno / Past Medical History
Family History
Social History
Problem Focused (Min-1)
Expanded Problem Focused (Min-1) Detailed
AT LEAST 4 or at least 3 Chronic DX Comprehensive
AT LEAST 4 or at least 3 Chronic DX / Problem Focused (N/A)
Expanded Problem Focused (2-9 systems)
Detailed (2-9 systems)
Comprehensive (min-10 required) / Expanded Problem Focused (N/A)
Detailed 1
Comprehensive
2-Established 3-New
History: Problem Focused Expanded Problem Focused Detailed Comprehensive
General Multisystem Examination
Exam / At least 1 element identified from a bullet from any system / 6 items identified by a bullet from any system / 2 items identified by a bullet from a minimum of 6 systems (12) / 2 items identified by a bullet from a minimum of 9 systems (18)Constitutional / Any One of the Three Vitals General Appearance of Patient
Eyes / Conjunctiva and Lids Pupils and Irises Optic Discs
Neck / Neck Thyroid
Respiratory / Respiratory Effort Percussion Palpation Auscultation
Cardiovascular / Palpation of Heart Auscultation Carotids Abdominal Aorta
Femoral Pedal Pulses Extremities and Varicosities
Chest / Inspection of Breasts Palpation of Breast and Axillae
GI (Abdomen) / Masses/Tenderness Liver and Spleen Hernia
Anus, Perineum, & Rectum Occult Test
Lymph / Lymph Nodes in 2 or More Areas Neck Axillae Groin Other
Musculoskeletal / Gait & Station Digits & Nails
Muscles of at Least One Area with Exam including: Inspection/Palpation ROM
Stability Strength & Tone
Skin / Inspection of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissues
Palpation of Skin and Subcutaneous Tissues
Neuro / Cranial Nerves Reflexes Sensation Judgment & Insight
Orientation to Time and Place/Person
Psychiatric / Memory Mood Mental Status Exam Complete Recent/Remote Memory
Orientation to Time/Place/Person Attention Span and Concentration
Language (naming objects, repeating phrases, etc.) Judgment and Insight
Problem Focused Expanded Problem Focused Detailed Comprehensive
Medical Decision Making / Audit of Evaluation and Management ServiceNumber of Diagnosises and Management Options / Points Assigned / Points per Category / Amount and Complexity of Data / Points Assigned / Points per Category
Self-limiting or Minor Problems (Stable, improved or worsening). Maximum of 2 points can be given. / 1 / Ordered and/or reviewed clinical lab. / 1
Established Problem – Stable or Improved / 1 / Ordered and/or reviewed radiology / 1
Established Problem – Worsening / 2 / Discussed tests with performing or interpreting physician. / 1
New Problem – No additional workup planned. Maximum of 1 problem gives credit. / 3 / Ordered and/or reviewed test in the CPT Medicine section / 1
New Problem – Additional workup planned / 4 / Independent visualization and direct view of image, tracing, specimen.
Total Points: / Decision to obtain old records or additional history from someone other than patient, e.g., family, caretaker, previous physician. / 1
Reviewed and summarized old records and/or obtained history from someone other than the patient. / 2
Total Points:
Table of Risk: The Highest Level in ONE Area Determines the Overall Risk
Level of Risk / Presenting Problem(s), or / Diagnostic Procedure, or / Management OptionsMinimal / One self-limited or minor problem, i.e., cold, insect bite, tine-corporis / Laboratory test requiring venipuncture
Chest x-ray
EKG
Urinalysis
Ultrasound
KOH prep / Rest
Gargles
Elastic Bandages
Superficial dressing
Low / Two or more self-limited or minor problems.
One stable chronic illness, e.g., well-controlled hypertension, non-insulin dependent diabetes.
Acute uncomplicated illness or injury, e.g., cystitis, allergic rhinitis / Physiological tests not under stress, e.g., pulmonary function test.
Non-cardiovascular imaging studies with contrast, e.g., barium enema
Superficial needle biopsies
Clinical laboratory test requiring arterial puncture
Skin biopsies / Over-the-counter drugs
Minor surgery with no identified risk factors
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
IV Fluids without additives
Moderate / One or more chronic illnesses with mild exacerbation, progression, or side effects of treatment.
Two or more stable chronic illnesses
Undiagnosed new problem with certain prognosis (e.g. lump in breast)
Acute illness with systemic symptoms, e.g., pyelonephritis, pneumonitis, colitis. / Physiological tests under stress (e.g., 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, e.g., arteriogram, cardiac catheterization
Obtain fluid from body cavity, e.g., lumbar puncture, thoracentesis. / Minor surgery with identified risk factors
Elective major surgery (open, percutaneous, or endoscopic) with no identified risk factors.
Prescription drug management
Therapeutic nuclear medicine
IV fluids with additives
Closed treatment of fracture or dislocation without manipulation.
High / Once or more chronic illness with sever exacerbation.
Acute or chronic illness or injuries that pose a threat to life or bodily functioning
An abrupt change in neurologic status (i.e., seizure, TIA, weakness, or sensory loss) / Cardiovascular imaging studies with contrast with identified risk factors.
Cardiac electrophysiological tests.
Diagnostic endoscopies with identified risk factors
Discography / Elective major surgery
Emergency major surgery
Parenatal control substances
Drug therapy requiring intensive monitoring for activity
Decision not be resuscitated or to deesculate care because of poor prognosis.
Decision Making Total: 2 of 3 Must Meet
Points Assigned / 1 / 2 / 3 / 4Number of Diagnoses / Minimal / Limited / Multiple / Extensive
Amount of Data / Minimal / Limited / Moderate / Extensive
Risk of Complications / Minimal / Low / Moderate / High
Levels / Straightforward / Low Complexity / Moderate Complexity / High Complexity
Level of Service: History: ______Exam: ______
Medical Decision Making Chart note:
Signed Signature missing Diagnosis Code(s) supported
Diagnosis Code(s) Billed: ______
Other services billed: ______
Comment(s): ______
______
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Auditor’s Signature: ______Date: ___ / ___ / _____
01-03-011 Billing and Chart Audits
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