BC Advantage - 2018 Issue 5
Auditing Therapy Evaluation Codes Not So Quick
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.
Article Overview
This article explains a post-2017 update in therapy evaluation coding for physical therapy and occupational therapy, with emphasis on how the new evaluation structure is discussed in audit and coding education materials. It is aimed at therapists, coders, auditors, and compliance staff who work with outpatient therapy documentation and claim review. The article covers general guidance on code selection concepts, differences between PT and OT evaluation criteria, the role of time as a non-determinative factor, and references to professional and CPT-related educational sources.
Why This Topic Matters
Therapy evaluation coding changed in a way that affects documentation review, audit processes, and claim adjudication. Understanding the general framework helps coding and compliance teams evaluate therapy records more consistently.
Article Sections
-
Introduction and 2017 Therapy Evaluation Code Changes
Introduces the update to physical therapy and occupational therapy evaluation coding and sets the context for the article. It also notes the related reevaluation renumbering and the general shift in the coding structure.
-
Common Questions About PT and OT Evaluation Codes
Addresses the most frequent points of confusion raised by therapists, coders, and auditors. The discussion focuses on general concerns about code structure, documentation review, and the relationship between therapy evaluation coding and broader coding frameworks.
-
Physical Therapy Evaluation Reference Table
Summarizes broad considerations used in physical therapy evaluation coding education materials. The section describes general categories of assessment elements and body-system review topics.
-
Occupational Therapy Evaluation Reference Table
Introduces occupational therapy evaluation reference material used for coding education and comparison. The section is presented as a companion to the physical therapy reference table.
-
External References and Resources
Lists professional organizations and reference sources cited for additional guidance. These references support further study of therapy evaluation coding and compliance topics.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames the 2017 therapy evaluation code update
- What general concerns arise in audit review of therapy documentation
- How the article distinguishes PT and OT evaluation coding at a high level
- What types of reference materials are cited for therapy coding education
- Why therapy evaluation coding is relevant to compliance and claim review
Who Should Read This
- Physical therapists
- Occupational therapists
- Medical coders
- Compliance auditors
- Claim adjudication staff
- Outpatient therapy compliance professionals
Codes Discussed
Code Ranges Discussed
Subscribe or sign in to view the full article.


Quick, Current, Complete - www.findacode.com