Don't underestimate risk when selecting correct E/M level

Article Overview

This article explains how risk fits into evaluation and management (E/M) medical decision-making for general surgery encounters and why it is often underestimated. It discusses Medicare’s Table of Risk, how the risk subcomponents are organized, and how the 1995 and 1997 E/M documentation guidelines provide the framework used by coders and surgeons. The piece is most relevant to general surgeons, coding professionals, and anyone reviewing E/M level selection and documentation support.