FAQ #9
       
Can I say "All other systems reviewed and are negative" when completing the review of systems?

Answer: Unfortunately, the answer to this question is yes and no, depending upon your state's Medicare carrier. This shortcut is indeed contained in both the 1995 and 1997 E/M guidelines where it states:

"Those systems with positive or pertinent negative responses must be individually documented. For the remaining systems, a notation indicating all other systems are negative is permissible. In the absence of such a notation, at least ten systems must be individually documented."

Sorry to say that some Medicare carriers (like TrailBlazer) have said that they do NOT recognize this shortcut and will only give credit for each system listed. Check with your Medicare carrier before using this documentation shortcut.