Previous articles in this series reviewed the first 2 of 3 elements of MDM that may be used in code selection. This article focuses on the third element—risk.
It is important to remember that when office E/M codes are selected based on the level of MDM, 2 of the 3 elements must be met at the same level to support straightforward, low, moderate, or high MDM.
This article explains the following:
As with most coding information, you must first learn the definitions and rules included in the guidelines (this is arguably the difficult part) before becoming proficient at code selection.
Although you might have to revisit the guidelines periodically to guide code selection, most visits require only a general understanding of the definitions and rules.
The following definitions are related to risk:
Risk: The probability and/or consequences of an event. Definitions of risk are based on the usual behavior and...