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Body Areas vs. Organ Systems

Last post 06-20-2009, 3:18 PM by Christina Benjamin. 1 replies.
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  •  06-14-2009, 8:27 PM

    Body Areas vs. Organ Systems

    What is the difference between the body areas and organ systems for E/M coding? At what levels of physical exam do I count body areas, organ systems, or both?

    Any input will be greatly appreciated.

  •  06-20-2009, 3:18 PM

    Re: Body Areas vs. Organ Systems

    Body areas are like head, neck, chest, abdomen, back, extremity, etc.

    The organ systems are constitutional, eyes, ENT, respiratory(lungs), cardiovascular, digestive, genitourinary, integumentary(skin), musculoskeletal, neurological, psychiatric.  If the item listed does not fall into one of these system categories, it is a body area and can be counted only in all cases, unless you are assigning a comprehensive exam under the 1995 E/M guidelines.  Then the 8 that you count must be systems only.


    Christina Benjamin
    Independent Coding & Education Consultant
    Email: cmbenjamin@bellsouth.net
    www.tools4coding.com