Comparison of 1995/1997 E/M Guidelines vs. E/M 'New Framework' Guidelines

Why This Topic Matters

E/M documentation requirements affect code selection, compliance review, and record completeness. Understanding how guideline frameworks differ helps readers evaluate charting expectations and prepare for changes in documentation policy.

Article Sections

1. Comparison overview

   Introduces the side-by-side comparison of multiple E/M guideline versions and frames the scope of the discussion.

2. History

   Summarizes the major history elements discussed across the guideline versions, including the general organization of history components.

3. Review of systems (ROS)

   Compares how review-of-systems requirements and levels are organized across the versions discussed in the article.

4. Past/family/social history (PFSH)

   Outlines the general treatment of past, family, and social history across the guideline sets.

5. Elements (HPI, ROS, PFSH)

   Describes how the history categories are combined and what general completeness concepts are referenced.

6. Four types of history and criteria

   Presents the overall history-level framework used to compare the guideline versions.

7. Physical examination types

   Reviews the broad categories used to describe physical examination structures in the guideline versions.

8. Levels

   Summarizes the level-based organization used in the physical examination comparison.

9. Criteria for 4 types of physical examination

   Compares the general criteria framework for physical examination levels across the versions.

10. Medical decision-making

    Outlines the medical decision-making framework and how complexity is structured in the comparison.

11. Categories

    Identifies the broad decision-making categories referenced by the article and compares how they are presented in each guideline version.

12. Counseling and/or coordination of care

    Summarizes the general time-based counseling and coordination-of-care guidance discussed in the comparison.