The exam levels and their definitions have not changed, and, as with the 1997 guidelines, determining the level of exam requires counting. In addition to being presented as examples rather than bulleted elements, the clinical content has been expanded significantly and reflects greater input from specialty societies. Exam items are organized by body areas and organ systems. The examples are strictly examples. 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.