Use E/M coding audits to train your physicians

Learn how to improve coding in your practice in Part II of this two-part series

As discussed in the April MCCRA, a coding audit is an excellent tool for physician practices to determine what, if any, problems exist in their claims submissions, particularly for E/M codes. Part II of this coding spotlight illustrates how to use the findings of your audits to help your physicians improve their coding practices.

E/M codes affect not just outpatient or office consultations but home, skilled and unskilled nursing facilities, and ED visits, says Jennifer Swindle, RHIT, CCS-P, CPC-EM-FP, CCP, senior coding consultant at PivotHealth in Lafayette, IN. “Many practices audit their office visits. It’s harder to get to the hospital records, but those visits also need to meet the documentation guidelines.”