Friday, November 30, 2012

The Shrink Rappers in The Big Apple


We will be speaking next Thursday, December 6th, at the New York Public Library and we'd love to meet you!  We're under a program called The Thought Gallery, which sounds good for a psychiatric thing, right?  

Details are HERE.  The time is 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm.
The Mid-Manhattan Library is located on the southeast corner of 5th Avenue and 40th Street.  It is diagonally across the street from the Research Library (the Library with the lions).  We will be on the 6th floor.

Thursday, November 29, 2012

Ranting on KevinMD about CPT Code Changes


I need a new obsession.  It may be a few weeks, I still don't know how this new coding works, or what I'm going to tell my patients, or how I'm going to change my invoice system to deal with all the new codes.  Over on KevinMD, I outlined all of my angst, plus my frustration with how the new coding deals with Medicare.  Please do check out my Rant of the Day.

Tuesday, November 27, 2012

Is There any Hope?


Over on Pete Earley's blog, he's posted a letter from desperate parents who can't get help for their son.  Pete, as you may know, is a former Washington Post reporter, author of many books, and a mental health advocate. Yesterday, Pete answered the letter with 10 suggestions.  He solicited a panel to take turns responding, and today, I'm the one with suggestions.  Here's the letter, then do surf over to Pete's blog and check out the responses, more will be coming all week.

Dear Pete,
We have tried to get our son professional help. I think he has bipolar disorder, although he possibly could have schizophrenia. We know he has an alcohol addiction. He has not cooperated with hardly anything, and we’ve been unable to get him to go to our local mental health center, although officials there said he is eligible for treatment.

We feel like our hands our tied. The few times that we’ve gotten him to a psychiatrist, our son denies that he is sick, won’t take his medicine, and is extremely hostile to doctors for the short time he’s being seen by them. We’ve had him in our house for several months with his erratic moods and high level of anger. Yesterday he asked to go to a homeless shelter and he is now on the streets. If we try to visit him, he runs away.
His dad and I are at the point where we feel resigned that there is no hope nor help for our son. The system has worked against us at every turn … and he needs help. People have recommended “he needs to hit rock bottom” and that we need to wait for him to *want* help. We simply don’t know what to do. Do we wait for him to hit rock bottom on the streets where we know he is not safe?
In our view, the mental health network has been ineffective at best, and is rolling the dice with people’s lives. Now we can see how barriers in the mental illness system keep people from receiving basic services. This has been hell for his dad and me, and I’m sure worse for our son.
If you have any advice please let us know.
-A concerned parent.

Can Psychoanalysis be Coded with the New CPT, E/M Codes?

The blogger -Psych Practice- who posted on how to figure out an E/M code which I stole below, did  a wonderful  job of giving a clear set of directions on how to do this, though I have to say that I got nauseous half-way through because it is so long and complex with so many charts, but it does explain it.

  S/he wrote a follow-up blog post on how to code for a psychoanalytic session with Socrates as an example (I was a little confused about the Speech: Greek, Appearance: Toga, but I then I got it).  Anyway, it's very clever, and it makes the process seem a little less intimidating, and it does a wonderful job of incorporating the E/M portion of the session into what naturally flows without requiring the therapist to collect irrelevant data for the sake of documentation.  I hope it's right. So here's the link to the how to code E/M + add on therapy for the psychoanalysis of Socrates: http://psychpracticemd.blogspot.com/2012/11/em-psychoanalysis-note-monday.html

What this writer doesn't seem to take into account is the proclamation by AMA that the time spent on E/M must be completely distinct from the time spent on psychotherapy. Any one who has ever conducted or had psychotherapy knows, this is not possible.  It's like the AMA decided the sky is now purple with orange polka dots.  People come in and talk about what's important to them, and if they are depressed and have questions about that Abilify stuff they saw on TV, or are undergoing cancer treatments, or are about to have their knees replaced, that's what they talk about and it's not possible to define one part of a session as "psychotherapy" and instruct them to limit concerns about illnesses & treatments to a specific, time-distinct, portion of the session that is not "psychotherapy."  I believe that we have to say that regardless of what Insurers, the AMA, or the APA believe, that it's simply not possible to disentangle the time devoted to the two.  The stickiness of the issue is whether insurers/medicare are going to claim that if you have a 53 minute session and document a 99213 E/M code with a 90838 (60 minute psychotherapy add on) that you can't have done that much work seeing patients every hour and are going to insist that the therapy code be for the 45 (38-52 actually) minute shorter, session.  For medicare, there is a $45 dollar pay increase if the psychotherapy session goes from 52 minutes to 53 minutes. I'm not the only one who thinks this is all nuts, right?   

I am going to attempt to Live Tweet the 12/4 MPS CPT seminar with the hashtag #cpt.  There's no WiFi at the Sheppard Pratt conference center, so I will be doing it from my phone's touchscreen, typos and all, to the extent that my stamina holds out.  I practiced yesterday by tweeting Vani Rao's Grand Rounds at Hopkins on Traumatic Brain Injury (no, I didn't tweet the patient presentation). I know, I'm repeating myself, but I copied this from a email I put up on the psychiatric society's listserv.

Monday, November 26, 2012

Practicing My Twittering Tweets




Today, I live tweeted psychiatry Grand Rounds from Johns Hopkins on Traumatic Brain Injury.  I've tried to do this before, but I got paged out after just a few tweets.  Today, I made it through the whole lecture.  I didn't tweet the patient presentation, just the lecture part.  I didn't have my laptop, or WiFi access, so I did it from my iPhone on the touch screen where my fat fingers sometimes hit the wrong key.  And while the speaker was excellent, she spoke really, really fast, and I missed a bit.  I did my best.  You can check it out at #jhhgr.  My tweets are a bit disorganized and fragmented, but it's not really the venue for precision.

Next week, the Maryland Psychiatric Society will be holding a seminar on how to do the new CPT coding and I'm hoping I can live tweet that. Again, no WiFi, and it will be my fingers flying as fast as they can on my phone. The seminar is much longer than the talk I tweeted today.  Maybe the speaker will talk a little slower.  So tune in, and if I can, I'll be tweeting the seminar at 6 PM  on  12/4 using hashtag #cpt.

Sunday, November 25, 2012

How to Determine and Document an Evaluation/Management Code

With permission, I am stealing this entire post from Psych Practice, a NYC psychiatrist who was kind enough to go through a step-by-step How To Guide for determining and documenting the Evaluation and Management coding for the new CPT codes we'll be using in January.  And thank you to Becca who found this for me.  Now if someone could translate it into exactly what one needs to do when using these E/M codes in combination with the psychotherapy codes, that would be wonderful.  



E;M Coding, in All Its Glory

There are three key components to E&M level of care: history, exam, and medical decision making. Each of these components has requirements for meeting the various levels of care. You need 2 out of 3 of these components to reach a specified level of care. For example, if you have an extended problem focussed history, but only 2 exam elements, you can still meet criteria for a 99213 provided your medical decision making is of low complexity. It sounds confusing, but it’ll become clearer as we move along. The details for each of these components follow, after which I’ll give some examples.



Table 1


Level Of Care Requirements (2 out of 3 needed)
Level of Care
Hx
Exam
MDM
99212
Problem Focussed
1-5
Straightforward
99213
Extended Problem Focussed
>6
Low Complexity
99214
Detailed
12 from 2 or more organ systems
Moderate Complexity
99215
Comprehensive
2 from each of 9 organ systems
High Complexity

Let’s look at each of the three components.


1. History:

History is broken into 4 parts, namely, CC, HPI (or Interval History for an established patient), ROS, and PFSH (past medical, family, and social history).

CC is the presenting complaint for that session, and can be related to the diagnosis. 


Examples: “Anxiety”, or “F/U for Anxiety”

In case you were wondering, a CC is required for all notes, not just the initial evaluation.



HPI or Interval History is comprised of the following elements:

Location 
Quality
Severity 

Duration 
Timing
Context
Modifying Factors
Associated Signs and Symptoms


HPI is considered “ Brief” if it includes 1-3 of these elements, and “Extended” if it includes > 4 elements or 3 stable conditions.


Example: The patient c/o worsening anxiety x 1 week with panic symptoms that occur intermittently, on average once per day, last for 5 minutes, and are brought on unexpectedly by unclear precipitants.


This would qualify as an extended interval history because it includes 4 elements: severity, duration, timing, and context (or 5 if you include modifying factors).



ROS includes pertinent positives and negatives. There are fourteen individual systems recognized by the E/M guidelines:

Constitutional (e.g., fever, weight loss) 
• Eyes
Ears, Nose, Mouth, Throat
Cardiovascular

Respiratory
Gastrointestinal
Genitourinary
Musculoskeletal
Integumentary (skin and/or breast)
Neurological
Psychiatric
Endocrine
Hematologic/Lymphatic 

Allergic/Immunologic

Even in Psychiatry, it is possible to review more than one organ system.


Example: ROS positive for GI upset, SOB, diaphoresis, and dissociative feelings.


This example could arguably include GI, Respiratory, and Psychiatric. However, it’s unclear what the liability is if you’re calling SOB respiratory, and then not listening to the patient’s lungs.



PFSH -Pertinent Past Medical, Family, Social History


Past Medical History: a review of past illnesses, operations or injuries, which may
include:


  • Prior illnesses or injuries  
  • Prior operations
  • Prior hospitalizations
  • Current medications
  • Allergies
  • Age appropriate immunization status
  • Age appropriate feeding/dietary status


Family History (FH): a review of medical events in the patient’s family which may include information about:



  • The health status or cause of death of parents, siblings and children
  • Specific diseases related to problems identified in the Chief Compliant, HPI, or ROS
  • Diseases of family members which may be hereditary or place the patient at risk

Social History (SH): An age appropriate review of the patient’s past and current activities which may include significant information about:
  • Marital status and/or living arrangements 
  • Current employment
  • Occupational history
  • Use of drugs, alcohol or tobacco
  • Level of education
  • Sexual history
  • Other relevant social factors
Example: Patient is a graduate student in Physics, about to defend his dissertation.

Note: You DO NOT need to re-record a PFSH if there is an earlier version available on the chart. It is acceptable to review the old PFSH and note any changes. In order to use this shortcut, you must note the date and location of the previous PFSH and comment on any changes in the information since the original PFSH was recorded. For example, if you are seeing an established patient in the office you can write: “Comprehensive PFSH which was performed during a previous encounter was re-examined and reviewed with the patient. There is nothing new to add today. For details, please refer to my previous note in this chart, dated 11/23/2004.” ( From EMUniversity.com)




Table 2


Levels Of History (3 out of 3 needed)
Level of Hx
HPI
ROS
PFSH
Problem Focussed
Brief
None
None
Extended Problem Focussed
Brief
1 System
None
Detailed
Extended
2 Systems
1

An example to clarify: In order to be able to bill for an E/M 99213 code, you need to refer to Table 1, above, where you note that the required history is an extended problem focussed history. In order to determine what constitutes an extended problem focussed history, you refer to Table 2, where you note that a brief HPI and 1 ROS are enough to qualify.


2. Psychiatric Medical Exam -Includes the following elements:

Speech
Thought Processes
Abnormal/Psychotic Thoughts 

Associations
Judgement
Orientation Time/Place/Person 

Memory
Attention Span/Concentration 

Language
Fund of Knowledge
Mood/Affect
General Appearance
Muscle Strength/Tone
Gait/Station
Vital Signs (> 3)
Other



Table 3


Levels of Psychiatric Exam
Level of Care
# elements on exam
99212
1-5
99213
>6
99214
12 from 2 or more organ systems

Example:

Speech-normal rate, rhythm, volume, speaks English with an accent 
Thought Processes-coherent
Judgement-good
Fund of Knowledge-excellent
Affect-anxious
General Appearance-messy hair, not wearing socks, otherwise well-groomed.


This example includes 6 Psychiatric exam elements, and would therefore qualify as a 99213 level of care exam.



3. Medical Decision Making - EMUniversity MDM


This part is a little tricky. You can check out the link, but I’ll try to summarize.

It seems as though you can raise the E/M code depending on the complexity of your decision-making. But how the complexity is determined is, well, complex.

Referring back to Table 1, you’ll note that there are 4 levels of MDM: 



  • Straightforward
  • Low Complexity
  • Moderate Complexity
  • High Complexity

Each of these, in turn, is broken down into 3 parts: 



  • Problem Points
  • Data Points
  • Risk
So get ready for more tables.

Table 4, Levels of MDM (2 out of 3 needed)

Overall MDM
Problem Points
Data Points
Risk
Straightforward
1
1
Minimal
Low Complexity
2
2
Low
Moderate Complexity
3
3
Moderate
High Complexity
4
4
High

Let’s look at how each of these parts is determined.



Table 5 Problem Points

Problem
Points
Self Limited or Minor (max of 2), e.g. common cold
1
Established Problem, Stable or Improving
1
Established Problem, Worsening
2
New Problem, no additional w/u planned, (max of 1)
3
New Problem, additional w/u planned
4

Example: “Patient with h/o anxiety, worsening over the last week,” would generate 2 problem points.



Table 6, Data Points

Data Reviewed
Points
Review or order clinical labs (1 pt total, not 1 for each)
1
Review or order radiology (except echo or heart cath)
1
Review or order medicine tests (e.g. PFTs, EKG)
1
Discuss test with performing physician
1
Independent review of image, tracing or specimen
2
Decision to obtain old records
1
Review and summation of old records
2

Example: “Ordered PFTs for SOB,” would earn 1 data point.

Table 7, Risk-only need 1 from any level, use highest risk present (from EMUniversity.com)


Minimal Risk Low Risk Moderate Risk
High Risk
•One self- limited or minor problem (e.g., cold, insect bite, tinea cor- poris)
•Labs: EKG, E EG, CXR, UA, Ultrasound Echo, KOH prep
•Rest
•Gargles •Elastic bandages Superficial dress-
•ings
•Two or more self- limited or minor problems
•One stable chronic ill- ness, (e.g., well con- trolled HTN, DM2) •Acute uncomplicated illness or injury (e.g., cystitis/ rhinitis) •Physiologic tests without stress •Non- cardiovascular imaging with contrast

•Over the counter drugs
•Minor surgery without

•risk factors •PT/OT
•IV fluids without additives
•One or more chronic illness, with mild exacerbation or progression
•Two or more stable chronic illnesses •Undiagnosed new problem with uncer- tain prognosis (e.g., lump in breast) •Acute illness with systemic symptoms (e.g., pyelonephritis, colitis)
•Physiologic tests with stress
•Prescription drug management

•Minor surgery with risk factors
•Elective major surgery without risk

•factors
•IV fluids with additives
•Chronic illness with severe exacerbation or progression •Illness with threat to life or bodily function (MI, ARF, PE) •Abrupt change in neurological status (TIA, weakness) •Cardiovascular imaging with contrast (arteriogram, cardiac cath) with risk factors •Elective major surgery with risk factors
•Emergency surgery •Parenteral controlled substances
•Drugs requiring intensive monitoring for toxicity

•Decision for DNR or to de-escalate care


 Example: “Worsening anxiety,” would qualify as moderate risk.



Now let’s look at a complete note, and determine which E/M level it qualifies for:


Einstein, Albert     DOB: 03.14.1879     Date of Visit: 11 11 12

Start:1:45p    Stop:2:30p      Total face to face time: 45 min

CPT: 90836, E/M ?????

CC: F/U for Anxiety

Interval Hx: The patient c/o worsening anxiety x 1 week with panic symptoms that occur intermittently, on average once per day, last for 5 minutes, and are brought on unexpectedly by unclear precipitants, in the context of his upcoming dissertation defense.

ROS: Pt. reports intermittent panic symptoms, including GI upset, SOB, and dissociative feelings.

PFSH: Patient is a graduate student in Physics.

PME:
  • Speech-normal rate, rhythm, volume, speaks English with an accent
  • Thought Processes-coherent
  • Judgement-good
  • Fund of Knowledge-excellent
  • Affect-anxious
  • General Appearance-messy hair, not wearing socks, otherwise well-groomed.

Dx: Anxiety NOS 300.00

Current Meds: Zoloft 100mg qd.

Side effects: No side effects or adverse reactions noted or reported.

Allergies: NKDA

Labs: ordered-none, reviewed-none

Psychotherapy Note: Discussed with patient his automatic thoughts, and the specific concerns he has about his dissertation defense. Reviewed relaxation techniques with patient.

Plan:
  • Continue current medication
  • f/u 1/week psychotherapy

First, the History:


The Interval History includes at least 4 elements-severity, duration, timing, and

context. This makes it extended.

The ROS includes
3 systems, GI, respiratory, and psychiatric.


The PFSH includes one element of Social History, namely, that the patient is a graduate student in Physics. Listing the allergies as NKDA may also qualify as one element of PFSH.


Referring back to Table 2, History:

Level of Hx
HPI
ROS
PFSH
Problem Focussed
Brief
None
None
Extended Problem Focussed
Brief
1 System
None
Detailed
Extended
2 Systems
1

Extended HPI, 2 ROS, and 1 PFSH qualify as a detailed history.


Now the Psychiatric Exam:. 


6 elements are noted, speech, thought, judgement,

fund of knowledge, affect, and general appearance. 

And the MDM:


Anxiety is an existing problem for the patient. Since it is worsening, this earns 2 problem points.


Referring to Table 6, it is clear that there are no data points.


And finally, risk. A chronic illness with mild exacerbation is considered
moderate

risk.

Referring to Table 4, levels of MDM:


Overall MDM
Problem Points
Data Points
Risk
Straightforward
1
1
Minimal
Low Complexity
2
2
Low
Moderate Complexity
3
3
Moderate
High Complexity
4
4
High

In this case, the overall MDM would be of Low Complexity, since 2 out of 3 elements are needed

To sum it all up, we look at Table 1, Levels of Care:

Level of Care
Hx
Exam
MDM
99212
Problem Focussed
1-5
Straightforward
99213
Extended Problem Focussed
>6
Low Complexity
99214
Detailed
12 from 2 or more organ systems
Moderate Complexity
99215
Comprehensive
2 from each of 9 organ systems
High Complexity

Since there is a detailed history, but only 6 exam elements and MDM of low complexity, this visit would qualify for a 99213 E/M code.

Now, if the patient also carried a diagnosis of depression, and this was stable, this would earn a total of 3 problem points, 2 for the worsening anxiety, and 1 for the stable depression. And 3 problem points would move the MDM up to moderate complexity. And since only 2 out of the 3 key components are required for level of care, a detailed history and MDM of moderate complexity would qualify as a 99214, which is reimbursed at a higher rate.

Overall, this is a pretty complicated business. It adds extra work to note-writing, and it’s not really suited to Psychiatry, and certainly not to high frequency psychotherapy or psychoanalysis. And I suspect that since this is completely new, and doesn’t fit neatly into nice little well-established, categorized boxes, insurance companies will also be confused about it. Or the’ll say they are so they can withhold payment.