Practical CPT Coding: A Four-Step Guide for Physicians explains the Evaluation and Management (E/M) coding process used by physicians and regulated by the American Medical Association.. In four chapters, Dr. Christopher Taylor establishes a step-by-step approach to determining the correct CPT code for the most common patient encounters in the office, hospital, or nursing home. After Step 1, identifying the patient category, the book details the three steps that deal with the components of E/M coding, including an essential medical decision making table that contributes to simple, correct, and logical E/M coding. In this text, physicians will find a comprehensive but manageable volume in which the standards set forth by the CMS and AMA are applied usefully and logically.

Introduction.- Step 1 - Identify the patient category.- Step 2 - Use the medical decision making table.- Step 3 - Select the appropriate level for history and examination.- Step 4 - Identify the correct CPT code and modifier.- Conclusion.- Appendix A. E/M coding guide.- Appendix B. General multi-system and single organ system examinations recognized by CMS.- Appendix C. New patient consultation template - neurosurgical practice.- Appendix D. New patient template - low back pain.- Appendix E. 1997 Documentation Guidelines for Evaluation and Management Services (CMS).- Appendix F. Other resources for coding information.- Appendix G. A detailed analysis of two coding methods summarized in 1.- Index.