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West Virginia Part B Carrier
Exam: General Multi-System

General multi-system examinations are described in detail in the following tables. To qualify for a given level of multi-system examination, the following content and documentation requirements should be met:

  • Problem Focused Examination - should include performance and documentation of one to five elements identified by a bullet (·) in one or more organ system(s) or body area(s)
  • Expanded Problem Focused Examination - should include performance and documentation of at least six elements identified by a bullet (·) in one or more organ system(s)or body area(s)
  • Detailed Examination - should include at least six organ systems or body areas. For each system/area selected, performance and documentation of at least two elements identified by a bullet (·) is expected. Alternatively, a detailed examination may include performance and documentation of at least 12 elements identified by a bullet (·) in two or more organ systems or body areas.
  • Comprehensive Examination - should include at least nine organ systems or body areas. For each system/area selected, all elements of the examination identified by a bullet (·) should be performed, unless specific directions limit the content of the examination. For each area/system, documentation of at least two elements identified by a bullet is expected.

Content & Documentation Requirements
System/Body Area
Elements of Examination

Constitutional

  • Measurement of any three of the following seven vital signs:
    1. Sitting or standing blood pressure
    2. Supine blood pressure
    3. Pulse rate and regularity
    4. Respiration
    5. Temperature
    6. Height
    7. Weight (may be measured and recorded by ancillary staff)
  • General appearance of patient (e.g., development, nutrition, body habitus, deformities, attention to grooming)

Eyes

  • Inspection of conjunctivae and lids
  • Examination of pupils and irises (e.g., reaction to light and accommodation, size and symmetry)
  • Ophthalmoscopic examination of optic discs (e.g., size, C/D ratio, appearance) and posterior segments (e.g., vessel changes, exudates, hemorrhages)

Ears, Nose,
Mouth and Throat

  • External inspection of ears and nose (e.g., overall appearance, scars, lesions, masses)
  • Otoscopic examination of external auditory canals and tympanic membranes
  • Assessment of hearing (e.g., whispered voice, finger rub, tuning fork)
  • Inspection of nasal mucosa, septum and turbinates
  • Inspection of lips, teeth and gums
  • Examination of oropharynx: oral mucosa, salivary glands, hard and soft palates, tongue, tonsils and posterior pharynx

Neck

  • Examination of neck (e.g., masses, overall appearance, symmetry, tracheal position, crepitus)
  • Examination of thyroid (e.g., enlargement, tenderness, mass)

Respiratory

  • Assessment of respiratory effort (e.g., intercostal retractions, use of accessory muscles, diaphragmatic movement)
  • Percussion of chest (e.g., dullness, flatness, hyperresonance)
  • Palpation of chest (e.g., tactile fremitus)
  • Auscultation of lungs (e.g., breath sounds, adventitious sounds, rubs)
Cardiovascular
  • Palpation of heart (e.g., location, size, thrills)
  • Auscultation of heart with notation of abnormal sounds and murmurs
  • Examination of:
  • Carotid arteries (e.g., pulse amplitude, bruits)
  • Abdominal aorta (e.g., size, bruits)
  • Femoral arteries (e.g., pulse amplitude, bruits)
  • Pedal pulses (e.g., pulse amplitude)
  • Extremities for edema and/or varicosities
Chest (Breasts)
  • Inspection of breasts (e.g., symmetry, nipple discharge)
  • Palpation of breasts and axillae (e.g., masses or lumps, tenderness)

Gastrointestinal
(Abdomen)

  • Examination of abdomen with notation of presence of masses or tenderness
  • Examination of liver and spleen
  • Examination for presence or absence of hernia
(When indicated)
  • Examination of anus, perineum and rectum, including sphincter tone, presence of hemorrhoids, rectal masses
  • Obtain stool sample for occult blood test when indicated
Genitourinary Male:
  • Examination of the scrotal contents (e.g., hydrocele, spermatocele, tenderness of cord, testicular mass)
  • Examination of the penis
  • Digital rectal examination of prostate gland (e.g., size, symmetry, nodularity, tenderness) 
Female:
  • Pelvic examination (with or without specimen collection for smears and cultures), including:
    • Examination of external genitalia (e.g., general appearance, hair distribution, lesions) and vagina (e.g., general appearance, estrogen effect, discharge, lesions, pelvic support, cystocele, rectocele)
    • Examination of urethra (e.g., masses, tenderness, scarring)
    • Examination of bladder (e.g., fullness, masses, tenderness)
    • Cervix (e.g., general appearance, lesions, discharge)
    • Uterus (e.g., size, contour, position, mobility, tenderness, consistency, descent or support)
    • Adnexa/parametria (e.g., masses, tenderness, organomegaly, nodularity)
Lymphatic Palpation of lymph nodes in two or more areas:
  • Neck
  • Axillae
  • Groin
  • Other
Musculoskeletal
  • Examination of gait and station
  • Inspection and/or palpation of digits and nails (e.g., clubbing, cyanosis, inflammatory conditions, petechiae, ischemia, infections, nodes)
  • Examination of joints, bones and muscles of one or more of the following six areas:
    1. Head and neck
    2. Spine, ribs and pelvis
    3. Right upper extremity
    4. Left upper extremity
    5. Right lower extremity
    6. Left lower extremity.
  • The examination of a given area includes:
    1. Inspection and/or palpation with notation of presence of any misalignment, asymmetry, crepitation, defects, tenderness, masses or effusions
    2. Assessment of range of motion with notation of any pain, crepitation or contracture
    3. Assessment of stability with notation of any dislocation (luxation), subluxation or laxity
    4. Assessment of muscle strength and tone (e.g., flaccid, cog wheel, spastic) with notation of any atrophy or abnormal movements
Skin
  • Inspection of skin and subcutaneous tissue (e.g., rashes, lesions, ulcers)
  • Palpation of skin and subcutaneous tissue (e.g., induration, subcutaneous nodules, tightening)
Neurologic
  • Test cranial nerves with notation of any deficits
  • Examination of deep tendon reflexes with notation of pathological reflexes (e.g., Babinski)
  • Examination of sensation (e.g., by touch, pin, vibration, proprioception)
Psychiatric
  • Description of patient's judgment and insight
  • Brief assessment of mental status including:
    • Orientation to time, place and person
    • Recent and remote memory
    • Mood and affect (e.g., depression, anxiety, agitation)

 

last updated on 09/25/2009
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