Q/A: How Do I Release a Patient from PI When They Still Have Problems?

August 10th, 2018 - Wyn Staheli, Director of Research
Categories:   Neurology|Neurosurgery   Orthopedics   Chiropractic  

Question

Once a PI patient is released with symptoms, or without symptoms, and a prognosis of likely exacerbations with a future medical estimation of $1500 over then next 2 years, how am I supposed to release them from care when they still have ongoing needs?

Answer

We have discussed this with several different experts. The consensus is that the patient should not be released from the PI case until BOTH of the following have occurred:

  1. the ortho/neuro exam is normal or has stabilized AND
  2. outcome assessments show no significant measurable and functional change after 3 exams over varying times. This one, known as a trial withdrawal of care, is commonly overlooked by chiropractors

If the patient shows no measurable and functional change and they don't worsen without treatment, they should either be released from care or referred out. During the trial withdrawal of care, the patient should be instructed to gradually and carefully increase their activity level to what is was before the injury. It is essential to know if they will be fine without ongoing care. If their situation worsens after not seeing you for a week (or two or three), then you should continue treating, based on their exam findings and outcome assessments.

At some point, though, if they are still having issues, it becomes necessary to stop and say that we tried a withdrawal of care and explain to the PI payer that the patient is unable to go without treatment for more than x days/weeks/months. That becomes the supporting rationale to explain the need for ongoing care and at what cost. When persistent injury symptoms remain, it is an indication that an impairment rating is appropriate.

Documenting their condition as "static" might be a wise thing to do (if applicable, of course), so as to help validate that the patient has not officially returned to pre-injury status or MMI.

###

Questions, comments?

If you have questions or comments about this article please contact us.  Comments that provide additional related information may be added here by our Editors.


Latest articles:  (any category)

COVID Vaccine Coding Changes as of November 1, 2023
October 26th, 2023 - Wyn Staheli
COVID vaccine changes due to the end of the PHE as of November 1, 2023 are addressed in this article.
Medicare Guidance Changes for E/M Services
October 11th, 2023 - Wyn Staheli
2023 brought quite a few changes to Evaluation and management (E/M) services. The significant revisions as noted in the CPT codebook were welcome changes to bring other E/M services more in line with the changes that took place with Office or Other Outpatient Services a few years ago. As part of CMS’ Medicare Learning Network, the “Evaluation and Management Services Guide” publication was finally updated as of August 2023 to include the changes that took place in 2023. If you take a look at the new publication (see references below),....
Can We Score Interpretation of an EKG Towards E/M Medical Decision Making?
October 10th, 2023 - Aimee Wilcox
When EKGs are performed in the facility setting or even in the physician's office, what are the requirements for reporting the service and who gets credit for scoring data points for Evaluation and Management (E/M) medical decision making (MDM)? Let's take a look at a few coding scenarios related to EKG services to get a better understanding of why this can be problematic.
Accurately Reporting Signs and Symptoms with ICD-10-CM Codes
October 5th, 2023 - Aimee Wilcox
Coders often find themselves unsure of when to report a sign or symptom code documented in the medical record. Some coders find their organization has an EHR that requires a working diagnosis, which is usually a sign or symptom, be entered to order a test or diagnostic study or image. Understanding the guidelines surrounding when signs and symptoms should be reported is the first step in correct coding so let's take a look at some scenarios.
The 2024 ICD-10-CM Updates Include New Codes for Reporting Metabolic Disorders and Insulin Resistance
September 19th, 2023 - Aimee Wilcox
Diabetes is a chronic disease that just seems to consistently be increasing instead of improving resulting in a constant endeavor by medical researchers to identify causal effects and possible treatments. One underlying or precipitating condition that scientists have identified as a precipitating factor in the development of diabetes is insulin resistance, which is a known metabolic disorder. As data becomes available through claims reporting, additional code options become possible with ICD-10-CM.
Documenting and Reporting Postoperative Visits
September 12th, 2023 - Aimee Wilcox
Sometimes we receive questions regarding documentation requirements for specific codes or coding requirements and we respond with information and resources to support our answers. The following question was recently submitted: Are providers required to report postoperative services on claims using 99024, especially if there is no payment for that service? What documentation is required if you are reporting an unrelated Evaluation and Management (E/M) service by the same physician during the postoperative period? 
Understanding Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease and ICD-10-CM Coding
August 22nd, 2023 - Aimee Wilcox
Gastroesophageal reflux disease or GERD for short, is a disease that impacts millions of Americans on a weekly basis. Symptoms are uncomfortable, as are some of the tests used to diagnose it, but understanding the disease, tests, and treatments helps us better understand how to code the disease using ICD-10-CM codes.



Home About Terms Privacy

innoviHealth® - 62 E 300 North, Spanish Fork, UT 84660 - Phone 801-770-4203 (9-5 Mountain)

Copyright © 2000-2023 innoviHealth Systems®, Inc. - CPT® copyright American Medical Association