Patent ID: 6529876
Filing Date: 2003-03-04
Classification: G06Q,G16H

Abstract:
A method for using a computer to facilitate E&M coding by a medical provider of a patient encounter comprising:A. inputting into the computer a code selecting An electronic template specific to a type of patient encounter; B. acquiring data prompted by the electronic template for the specific type of patient encounter for a specific patient encounter; C. inputting into the computer the data acquired for the specific type of patient encounter for the specific patient encounter; D. outputting an audit of the inputted data acquired for the specific patient encounter; E. outputting a Preliminary E&M code; F. inputting into the computer modifying variables for the specific patient encounter; G. outputting a Final E&M code; the method in which the step of inputting into the computer a code selecting an electronic template specific to a type of patient encounter further comprises:H. inputting into the computer a set of electronic templates and an electronic template menu; and in which the step of acquiring data prompted by the electronic template for the specific type of patient encounter comprises:I. examining at least one aspect of the patient encounter, and in which the step of inputting into the computer the data acquired for the specific type of patient encounter for the specific patient encounter comprises:J. inputting into the computer data acquired from the examination of the at least one aspect of the patient encounter; and in which the step of outputting an audit of the inputted data acquired for the specific patient encounter comprises:K. displaying and comparing the data inputted into the computer with the data required to be acquired, in examining at least one aspect of the patient encounter, and in which the step of outputting a Preliminary E&M code comprises:L. displaying the data inputted into the computer and requiring the inputting of an acknowledgment of complete data acquisition and data inputting; and in which the step of inputting into the computer modifying variables for the specific patient encounter comprises;M. identifying the modifying variables pertinent to the specific type of patient encounter; identifying the modifying variables pertinent to the specific patient encounter; and in which the step of outputting a Final E&M code comprises:N. displaying the data inputted into the computer, requiring the inputting of an acknowledgment of complete data acquisition and data inputting, storing by means, the Final E&M code.