According to the 1997 Documentation Guidelines, how many bullets are required for an Expanded Problem Focused Exam?

An Expanded Problem Focused Exam, as per the 1997 Documentation Guidelines, requires documentation of at least six bullets. This assessment approach includes a review of the history of the present illness (HPI), which necessitates capturing a moderate level of detail about the patient’s condition.

The six bullets specifically refer to the elements that a physician needs to document, such as the patient's history, body systems reviewed, and pertinent examinations. Meeting this requirement ensures that the examination is thorough enough to support the medical necessity of the services provided, which is critical for appropriate coding and billing.

Understanding this requirement is vital for coders as it directly affects how the services rendered are documented and subsequently reimbursed. Other options provide higher bullet counts than necessary for an Expanded Problem Focused Exam, which can lead to confusion in coding practices.