Ace the AHIMA VLab Challenge 2026 - Dive Into Data & Rule the Health IT Realm!

In the context of Evaluation and Management (E/M) services, recent guidelines specify activities that count toward determining the total time spent on patient care. Time calculation for E/M services generally includes face-to-face interactions with the patient, discussions about care, and certain administrative tasks directly related to the patient's care.

Performing a physical examination is a direct component of the time calculation as it involves direct patient care. Writing a referral can also be part of time calculation as it relates to managing the patient's overall treatment and coordination of care. Patient follow-up calls are similarly included since they involve engaging with the patient regarding their treatment.

Given this context, stating that all the activities mentioned are included in the time calculation would be incorrect because at least one of them, specifically patient follow-up calls, may not always count depending on specific circumstances. Thus, identifying that one option or more are not included would accurately reflect the guidelines for E/M services.