Provider Training – E/M: Number and Complexity of Problems
Instructor
Brittany Sowards, BA, CPC, CPMA, CCC, CCVTCDescription
This 15-minute webinar zeroes in on a core pillar of Medical Decision Making (MDM): the number and complexity of problems addressed during a patient encounter. You’ll gain clarity on how to evaluate which problems to count, how complexity is assigned, and how this element influences the correct E/M level. The content is immediately actionable and essential for providers and coders alike.
Key Takeaways
- Understand what qualifies as a “problem addressed” and how each contributes to MDM scoring
- Differentiate problems by complexity levels (e.g. minimal, low, moderate, high) and know how to document accordingly
- Learn how to count new vs established problems and when a problem spans acute, chronic, or stable categories
- See how problems’ complexity interplays with the other two MDM elements (data reviewed and risk)
- Review examples and scenarios that illustrate how to apply rules in real documentation settings
Who this course is for
- Providers who want to document encounters so E/M levels can be justified properly
- Coding professionals (outpatient / professional fee) needing deeper understanding of MDM
- CDI (Clinical Documentation Improvement) specialists ensuring that provider notes support coding decisions
Why it matters
- Incorrect or vague problem accounting can lead to undercoding, overcoding, or audit exposure
- Firm grasp of this MDM element strengthens your ability to defend coding choices
- Aligns documentation practice with payer and CPT expectations, reducing risk
What you get
- 15-minute webinar — focused, practical content you can watch on your schedule
- Transcript & slides available for review and reference
- Insights you can apply immediately to documentation and coding workflows
FAQs
Can I purchase this course individually?
How long is each course in the Training Plan?
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About our Medical Coding Courses
HIAlearn, powered by Health Information Associates (HIA)—a leader in medical coding and auditing for more than three decades—offers a flexible, online education platform designed for today’s coders. With a growing catalog of AHIMA and AAPC-approved coding courses, HIAlearn supports both beginners and experienced coders looking to build confidence, accuracy, and CEU credits.
Courses are available across various coding types including CPT, E/M, ICD-10-CM, and ICD-10-PCS, and are designed for multiple specialties including inpatient, outpatient, profee, and CDI.
To stay up to date, coders can explore our Coding Updates hub for the latest ICD-10-CM, ICD-10-PCS, CPT, and IPPS changes. HIAlearn also supports organizations with group discounts and scalable team access, promoting accuracy, compliance, and continuous professional development across departments.
Overview
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