Coding the “Spot Check”: Part 1
The updated outpatient evaluation and management (E/M) coding paradigm went into effect in January 2021, with level of visit being based on time or medical decision making (MDM). This article discusses how to effectively utilize this coding structure to correctly document for the “spot check,” a common encounter within dermatology.
Practice Points
- Clear documentation that reflects your thought process is an important component of effective coding and billing.
- Include Current Procedural Terminology–defined language within documentation to help ensure appropriate reimbursement and decrease the risk of audits.
• Plan: Discuss risks, benefits, and alternatives, including biopsy (
In this scenario, the level of MDM is much more clearly documented (as bolded above).
The number and complexity of problems would be an undiagnosed new problem with uncertain prognosis, which would be moderate complexity (column 1, level 4).1 There are no data that are reviewed or analyzed, which would be straightforward (column 2, level 2). For risk, the discussion of the biopsy as part of the diagnostic choices should include discussion of possible scarring, bleeding, pain, and infection, which would be considered best described as a decision regarding minor surgery with identified patient or procedure risk factors, which would make this of moderate complexity (column 3, level 4).1
Importantly, even if the procedure is not chosen as the final treatment plan, the discussion regarding the surgery, including the risks, benefits, and alternatives, can still count toward this category in the MDM table. Therefore, in this scenario with the updated and clarified documentation, this would be reported as CPT code 99204 for a new patient, while an established patient would be 99214.
Scenario 1 Revisited: A Funny-Looking New Spot
Below is scenario 1 with enhanced documentation, now applied to our procedure-only visit.
• CC: New spot on left cheek that seems to be growing and changing shape rapidly.
• History: No family history of skin cancer; concerned about scarring, no blood thinner.
• Examination: Irregular tan to brown to black 8-mm macule. No lymphadenopathy.
