To get credit for having performed a particular exam item, it isn't necessary to document every example given, nor are physicians restricted to choosing from among the examples listed. Grace period begins. Implementation deadline set for Aug. 1, 1995. August 1995 HCFA instructs Medicare carriers to incorporate the documentation guidelines into their routine medical review system. The revised guidelines include substantial changes in the Exam section.
Grace period begins.
Implementation deadline set for Jan. 1, 1998. Responding to widespread criticism of the revised guidelines, HCFA postpones implementation deadline to July 1, 1998. June 1998 AMA House of Delegates votes to oppose any version of the documentation guidelines that requires counting. HCFA continues to work on the guidelines. September 1998 HCFA agrees to minimize, but not eliminate, counting requirements in the guidelines.