January 2008 News

  

Understanding The “Welcome To Medicare” Physical The initial Preventive Physical Exam (IPPE) is a preventive evaluation and management service that consists of seven components. The goals of the IPPE are health promotion and disease detection.  All seven components of the IPPE, including the screening EKG, must be provided prior to submitting claims for the IPPE visit. Seven Components of the IPPE:  Acquire Patient History 1.       Review of individual’s medical and social history 2.       Review of individual’s potential (Risk Factors) for depression, and other mood disorders 3.       Review of individual's functional ability and level of safety: i.e. hearing impairment  Begin Physical Exam 4.       Physical Exam - obtain the following: height, weight, blood pressure, and visual acuity screen. ·          IPPE HCPCS code: G0344 5.       Performance and Interpretation of an EKG ·          IPPE HCPCS code: G0366:  EKG interpretation and report ·          IPPE HCPCS code: G0367: Tracing only ·          IPPE HCPCS code: G0368: Interpretation and report only  Counsel Patient 6.       Education, counseling and referral based on the previous five components 7.       Education, counseling and referral for other preventive services: i.e. screening mammography, prostate cancer screening, colorectal cancer screening People who are at risk for abdominal aortic aneurysms (AAA) can receive a referral for a one time ultrasound screening as part of their IPPE. Additional information for billing Medicare Preventive Services can be obtained on the CMS website at: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNProducts If you need any additional information on this article or Coding & Compliance services please contact Cindy Tipton at Cindy_Tipton@MED3000.com For a printable version, click:  CCNewsletterJanuary2008 Click here, if you would like to subscribe to this monthly MED3OOO e-communication newsletter.    ©Copyright 2008. MED3000 Group, Inc. All Rights Reserved