Three subcategories complicate MDM determination

Why This Topic Matters

MDM is a central part of E/M level selection, especially for more complex services. Understanding how the components are assessed helps support accurate documentation review and code selection.

Article Sections

1. Introduction

   Introduces the article’s focus on medical decision-making within E/M coding and places it in the context of a multipart series.

2. Take a closer look

   Reviews the major components used to assess medical decision-making and explains the general factors considered in each area.

3. The tricky part

   Describes how the individual MDM components are combined with other E/M elements when determining overall service level.

4. MDM points for diagnosis and treatment

   Presents a point-based framework related to diagnosis and treatment complexity.

5. MDM points for data review

   Presents a point-based framework related to review and analysis of medical data and records.