Compliance: Beware: 'Audit-Proof' EHRs Don't Exist, Experts Say

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Note:  The following article synopsis was NOT provided by AAPC. It was created by Find-A-Code/innoviHealth.

Article Overview

This article discusses compliance concerns related to electronic health record (EHR) systems used for evaluation and management coding. It focuses on why automated coding support does not replace documentation review, how medical necessity and chart support affect claims, and why practices remain responsible for submitted charges. The piece is aimed at physicians, practice managers, compliance staff, and coders who oversee E/M billing and audit readiness.

Why This Topic Matters

It helps readers understand the limits of automated EHR coding support and the importance of validating documentation before submitting higher-level evaluation and management claims.

Article Sections

  1. Overview

    Introduces the compliance concern involving automated EHR-assisted coding and the need to verify that documentation supports billed services.

  2. Medical necessity and E/M documentation

    Discusses how documentation, history, and examination findings relate to evaluation and management level selection and audit risk.

  3. Self-audit your physician's records

    Describes a chart review approach for checking whether the recorded complaint and diagnoses align with the reported level of service.

  4. Your practice is responsible for your submitted charges

    Addresses provider and practice accountability for claims, including contract considerations with EHR vendors.

What You Will Learn

  • How EHR-based coding support can affect evaluation and management claim review
  • Why documentation review remains important before submitting claims
  • How chart audits can help identify coding and medical necessity concerns
  • What responsibilities practices retain when using vendor-supported coding tools

Who Should Read This

  • Physicians
  • Practice managers
  • Medical coders
  • Compliance staff
  • Billing staff

Codes Discussed

  • CPT: 99215
  • ICD-9-CM: 461.1

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