Gene,
My advice:
Learn how to code the 99214 visits and use TiME when doing int 99215 visits.
If you are like me, and have patients with multiple, chronic problems, most of those visits are 99214.
If you document properly, a bronchitis episode can be a 99214.
Somebody with 4-6 problems can be a 215.
I have gone through this as well with my own practice. I think we tend to undercharge because we want to be fair and not feel guilty about charging people for our skills. REMEMBER: the current coding system was not created by you.
It has a structure, and if you learn the structure and meet the documentation requirements, you should not have to worry about an audit. REMEMBER, someone else made the rules, you just follow them.
Suggest you look at Peter Jensen's website, EMU University. His approach is priceless. The basic is look at the decision making and then add the appropriate documentation.
You could have a consultant look at how you are coding and billing and make suggestions.
I am still debating getting a spirometer, but I don't see it as a money maker.
If you would like to discuss further, email me at rgobao@comcast.net
Rick Gobao, MD
Down the road from you in Pittsburgh
