What does the 99202 billing code require for the history of present illness (HPI)?

The 99202 billing code is utilized for an office or other outpatient visit for the evaluation and management of a new patient. For this particular code, a problem-focused History of Present Illness (HPI) is required. This means that the clinician must provide a brief description of the presenting problem, typically addressing the current issue the patient is experiencing without the need for extensive detail.

The problem-focused HPI involves documenting a limited number of elements related to the specific complaint, succinctly capturing key information necessary for appropriate evaluation and management. This is in line with the lower complexity of the visit associated with the 99202 code, which is designed for relatively straightforward cases.

Conversely, other types of HPIs such as comprehensive, expanded, or detailed involve more extensive information gathering and documentation that would be required for codes associated with higher levels of complexity and care, making them inappropriate for the 99202 code. Thus, understanding the level of detail required is crucial for accurate coding and billing within the medical field.