E/M 1997 Guidelines

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I needs some input please. I recently found some information for the 1997 E/M guidelines for the Exam part for Musculoskeletal System and what is required for each level of coding. 1, 3 vital signs, 2. general appearance 3, Cardiovascular periph,vasc.by obs & palp 4. Lymphatic Palp, lymph, nodes, any loc. 5. gait and so on. then you count up the elements for the levels. My question is. One of the physicians in our office refuses to do the Lymphatic due to he/she is saying it is a liability. but still want to charge a level 99204 for new patient. This would not cover all 30 elements. Is this right and is it really a liability. Personally never heard or read that. Confused. Help please... Thank you.

E/M 1997 Guidelines