The Third Element of MDM: Risk of Complications

The third element of MDM: risk of complications and/or morbidity or mortality of patient management at the encounter

Coding for E/M services

There are three elements in medical decision-making and this article describes the third, the risk of complications and/or morbidity or mortality related to patient management
When selecting a level of service based on medical decision-making two of the three elements are required
CPT^® has developed definitions for many of the components in the MDM chart and this article describes the definitions and rules related to morbidity and mortality.

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Last revised November 14, 2024 - Betsy Nicoletti
Tags: E/M medical decision making

Our mission is to provide up-to-date, simplified, citation driven resources that empower our members to gain confidence and authority in their coding role.

In 1988, CodingIntel.com founder Betsy Nicoletti started a Medical Services Organization for a rural hospital, supporting physician practice. She has been a self-employed consultant since 1998. She estimates that in the last 20 years her audience members number over 28,400 at in person events and webinars. She has had 2,500 meetings with clinical providers and reviewed over 43,000 medical notes. She knows what questions need answers and developed this resource to answer those questions.