Which of the following is a key factor in coding for new patients in E/M services?

The correct choice for coding new patients in E/M (Evaluation and Management) services hinges on the baseline established during the initial consultation. This baseline is critical as it forms the foundation for subsequent visits and treatments. Establishing a baseline allows healthcare providers to assess the patient's condition at the outset and track any changes over time.

In the context of E/M services, new patients are defined as those who have not received any professional services from the physician or a related physician within the past three years. Therefore, the initial consultation requires a comprehensive evaluation to not only establish the patient's health status at that moment but to also create a baseline for comparison during follow-up visits. This is essential for documenting the medical necessity and justifying the services provided in future encounters.

Other factors, such as the availability of previous records, length of previous medical history, and extent of previous healthcare services, may provide context or additional information but are secondary to establishing the baseline during the initial visit. The primary purpose of coding is to accurately reflect the complexity and nature of the patient's condition as determined at the initial consultation, which directly influences the level of service billed.