MEAT
Documentatio
n: Optimizing
HCC Coding
MEAT documentation is crucial for accurate HCC coding.
It ensures comprehensive patient care and proper risk
adjustment. This presentation explores key aspects of
MEAT documentation and provides practical tips for
healthcare providers.
Understanding MEAT Documentation
Monitor Evaluate Assess/Address Treat
Observing and Assessing the Determining Providing
tracking patient severity and impact treatment needs and interventions and
conditions over time. of conditions. addressing medications for
concerns. management.
Documenting Stable
Conditions
1 Chronic Heart Failure (CHF)
Note stability and continuation of current
medication regimen.
2 Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD)
Document symptom control and effectiveness of
medications.
3 Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus
Review blood sugar logs and A1c results with the patient.
Addressing Ongoing
Concerns
1 Major Depression
Document persistent symptoms despite medication
adjustments. Note referral to psychiatrist.
2 Peripheral Neuropathy
Record decreased sensation in lower extremities
using monofilament test results.
3 Morbid Obesity
Advise on calorie intake monitoring and increased
activity. Document recommendations.
Managing Complex
Conditions
Hypercholesterolemia with Chronic Hepatitis C
Prescribe Zetia to avoid adverse liver effects. Document reasoning.
Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm (AAA)
Order abdominal ultrasound for monitoring. Note the basis for
additional testing.
Ulcerative Colitis
Document current management by specialist. Review and update records.
Comprehensive
Documentation Practices
Treat Each Encounter as Unique
Document as if it's the only encounter. Provide thorough details.
Code All Relevant Conditions
Assign codes for every condition with MEAT evidence, not just
primary concerns.
Annual Coding for Chronic Conditions
Ensure all chronic and complex conditions are coded at least once a year
Optimizing Infrequent Patient
Visits
Schedule Regular Check-ups
Encourage infrequent patients to schedule annual reviews for chronic conditions.
Comprehensive Reviews
Address chronic conditions during acute issue visits. Update problem lists.
Medication Management
Use refill requests as opportunities to schedule follow-up appointments.
Maintaining
Accurate Problem
Lists
Action Purpose
Review at each visit Ensure list is current
Update active conditions Reflect patient's current
health status
Remove resolved issues Maintain accuracy
Add "History of" when Distinguish past from
appropriate present conditions
Documenting Progress and
Treatment Plans
Progress Tracking Treatment Specifics Medication Management
Clearly show patient's Document the basis for Record changes in medication
improvement or lack thereof in ordering additional tests or regimens and the rationale
condition management. changing treatment behind adjustments.
approaches.
Best Practices for HCC Coding
1 Avoid "History of" for Active Conditions
Use current terminology for stable chronic conditions like COPD or diabetes.
2 Specialist Management Documentation
Review and document conditions managed by specialists. This counts as MEAT.
3 Comprehensive Annual Reviews
Ensure all chronic conditions are reviewed and documented at least once yearly
4 Specific Terminology
Use precise language to describe conditions, avoiding vague or nonspecific term
