The E

1
EM Coding in AHLTA
The EM coding section of AHLTA exists in the
Disposition module and defaults to the Calculated
EM. The EM calculator evaluates structured
text documentation in the encounter using Patient
Status, Service Type and Exam type to determine
an EM code based on the 1997 CMS coding
guidelines.
2
EM Coding in AHLTA
The provider may alter Patient Status using the
drop-down.
3
EM Coding in AHLTA
The EM calculator will then re-calculate the
encounter EM based on the new patient status.
4
EM Coding in AHLTA
Service type and Exam type can also be altered
using the drop-downs.
5
EM Coding in AHLTA
The EM calculator will then re-calculate the
encounter EM.
6
EM Coding in AHLTA
A provider must select the Selection tab to
select an EM code other that derived by the EM
calculator. Examples of when this process may be
needed include, extensive use of free text in the
encounter (which the calculator can not account
for) and a desire to code the encounter based on
the 1995 CMS coding guidelines.
7
EM Coding in AHLTA
The default EM category on the Selection tab is
Office/Outpatient Visit. EM codes within that
category are displayed in the EM Codes field.
8
EM Coding in AHLTA
The EM code selected by the provider is
displayed in the Selection EM Code. A
description of the EM code is provided in the
EM Description field below.
9
EM Coding in AHLTA
A provide may select a different EM Category
from the drop down.
10
EM Coding in AHLTA
The EM Codes for that category are now displayed
for selection in the EM Codes field.
11
EM Coding in AHLTA
The EM code selected by the provider is
displayed in the Selection EM Code. A
description of the EM code is provided in the
EM Description field below.