Q:
My provider ordered a diagnostic test today, however, it will not be reviewed with the patient until the follow-up visit next week. Is it correct that I can count the order today for a Data point in the MDM and when it’s reviewed next week, count another Data point for the review?
A:
Ordering of a test includes the review so only count one data point at the time the test is ordered even if results are not back the same day. It’s all tied to the MDM when it was ordered. If you are billing for the diagnostic test, you cannot count it at all.
Also, once a test has been counted, it cannot be counted again. For example, if a test that was ordered and completed three months ago is reviewed again today, it cannot be counted towards today’s MDM.