For a problem to be counted in the 'number of problems' component, what must be true?

For a problem to be counted in the 'number of problems' component, what must be true?

• A. The problem must be addressed within that encounter
• B. The problem must be resolved during the encounter
• C. The problem must be chronic
• D. The problem must require a surgical procedure

Answer: (A)

In the number of problems component, only problems that you address during the current encounter are counted. Addressed means you discuss, evaluate, or include a management plan for that issue in the visit. It doesn’t have to be resolved on that day—the problem can be ongoing or deferred for follow-up, and it still counts as addressed. The problem being chronic isn’t required, and a surgical procedure isn’t necessary. For example, if a patient comes in with a skin lesion and you assess it and plan treatment, and you also review and adjust a chronic condition like hypertension, both issues are addressed and counted, even if the lesion isn’t completely resolved yet.

In the number of problems component, only problems that you address during the current encounter are counted. Addressed means you discuss, evaluate, or include a management plan for that issue in the visit. It doesn’t have to be resolved on that day—the problem can be ongoing or deferred for follow-up, and it still counts as addressed. The problem being chronic isn’t required, and a surgical procedure isn’t necessary. For example, if a patient comes in with a skin lesion and you assess it and plan treatment, and you also review and adjust a chronic condition like hypertension, both issues are addressed and counted, even if the lesion isn’t completely resolved yet.