Data in medical decision making

I am trying to understand the data component of medical decision making.
For an example I order an EKG and I read the EKG. Does this count as 2 points or 3 points?

re: Data in medical decision making

[I am trying to understand the data component of medical decision making.
For an example I order an EKG and I read the EKG. Does this count as 2 points or 3 points?]

*** Neither I would count this as one (1) point.
I would consider this, "Review and or order test from the medicine section".

Notice it states review AND/or order tests.
If you count any more than that I feel it would be considered souble dipping for more points.

re: Data in medical decision making

There are the Documentation Guidelines themselves, and then there is the point system developed by the Marshfield Clinic and in wide use. Below, I've copied the actual guidelines about data.

Typically, ordering an ekg or reviewing it is one point. When you get the two points (but then not the one) is if you look at a tracing, image, etc that was already interpreted or will be interpreted by someone else. Look at mammo results from last two years. Admit a patient, radiologist will interpret xray later, you say, "by my reading, the xray shows xyz."

AMOUNT AND/OR COMPLEXITY OF DATA TO BE REVIEWED
The amount and complexity of data to be reviewed is based on the types of diagnostic testing ordered or reviewed. A decision to obtain and review old medical records and/or obtain history from sources other than the patient increases the amount and complexity of data to be reviewed.
Discussion of contradictory or unexpected test results with the physician who performed or interpreted the test is an indication of the complexity of data being reviewed. On occasion the physician who ordered a test may personally review the image, tracing or specimen to supplement information from the physician who prepared the test report or interpretation; this is another indication of the complexity of data being reviewed.
!DG: If a diagnostic service (test or procedure) is ordered, planned, scheduled, or performed at the time of the E/M encounter, the type of service, eg, lab or x- ray, should be documented.
!DG: The review of lab, radiology and/or other diagnostic tests should be documented. An entry in a progress note such as "WBC elevated" or "chest x-ray unremarkable" is acceptable. Alternatively, the review may be documented by initialing and dating the report containing the test results.
!DG: A decision to obtain old records or decision to obtain additional history from the family, caretaker or other source to supplement that obtained from the patient should be documented.
!DG: Relevant finding from the review of old records, and/or the receipt of additional history from the family, caretaker or other source should be documented. If there is no relevant information beyond that already obtained, that fact should be documented. A notation of "Old records reviewed" or "additional history obtained from family" without elaboration is insufficient.
!DG: The results of discussion of laboratory, radiology or other diagnostic tests with the physician who performed or interpreted the study should be documented.
!DG: The direct visualization and independent interpretation of an image, tracing or specimen previously or subsequently interpreted by another physician should be documented.