Evaluation and management codes: from current procedural terminology through relative update commission to Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services.
BACKGROUND
Physicians should have a working knowledge of the process by which patient care codes are created and subsequently assigned values. The Society of Critical Care Medicine has representatives on the national committees that focus on code creation and definition and on assignment of relative value units. In addition, a better understanding of documentation requirements and the audit process will facilitate improved compliance and minimize liability.


CONCLUSIONS
The authors discuss the current procedural terminology (CPT) process for defining care codes and the relative update commission (RUC) process for assigning values to those codes, with each code assigned a separate value in three separate categories. Steps for managing any concern or dispute about billing, denials, or an audit are subsequently addressed. Tenets of proper documentation are discussed, and some future developments are identified that are likely to affect critical care.


CONCLUSIONS
Knowledge of the procedures by which care codes are defined and valued is necessary for using these codes properly, as well as for addressing needs unmet by existing codes. Preventing audits is the best approach to proper coding and billing, and documentation is key.
Dorman
Todd
T
The Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD, USA.
Loeb
Laura
L
Sample
George
G
D014487:Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, U.S.; D039702:Current Procedural Terminology; D005568:Forms and Records Control / Q000458:organization & administration*; D006801:Humans; D011216:Practice Management, Medical / Q000458:organization & administration*; D012051:Reimbursement Mechanisms / Q000458:organization & administration*; D014481:United States