decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2009 Issue 9 (September)
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Article Overview
This short advisory article addresses a common Medicare Part B coding and documentation question about patient status after a long absence from a practice. It explains the general framework used to determine whether a patient is considered new, references CMS guidance, and notes what documentation may be helpful for the first submission. The content is aimed at coders, billers, and practice staff who handle E/M claim preparation and compliance review.
Why This Topic Matters
Patient classification affects how office visits are reported and documented, so understanding the applicable CMS framework helps reduce claim errors and support compliant billing workflows.
What You Will Learn
- How patient status is evaluated after an extended gap in care
- What documentation may be helpful when submitting the first claim after a long absence
- Which CMS reference is cited for the general new-patient framework
- How the article frames billing and documentation considerations for Part B claims
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Practice managers
- Compliance staff
- Physician office staff
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