Coding and Billing Tools
This primer is designed to provide a foundation in Critical Care coding. Use this to get an overview of the most common situations and approaches to managing your critical care practice. Then, use the other resources under Education Resources, Links, or Coding Alerts to answer more unusual or detailed questions.
Documentation Guidelines
In addition to the titles at right, please refer to CMS documentation guidelines for Evaluation and Management (E&M) services.
Note that both the 1995 guidelines ("Cusick Memo") and 1997 guidelines remain current. However, the 1995 guidelines are often considered easier to use, so many providers follow those on that basis.
The 1995 E&M guidelines are contained within the Medicare Part-B Reference Manual, chapter #23. The online reference manual is found here (you must accept the user agreement to view): to view click here