Which of the following best describes Category 1 MDM?

• A. Provider reviewed external notes, labs, or imaging
• B. Provider personally reviewed and interpreted imaging, EKGs, or pathology without billing separately
• C. Provider engaged in a conversation with another provider
• D. Global period includes up to 90 days

Answer: (A)

Category 1 MDM is defined by a minimal amount of data being reviewed to inform the plan. Describing the provider as reviewing external notes, labs, or imaging fits this idea: it reflects using outside information to guide management without performing additional data gathering or independent interpretation that would raise the data complexity. In other words, you’re incorporating existing information rather than generating or deeply analyzing new test results yourself, which keeps the MDM at the simplest level.

The other activities involve elements that typically push data complexity higher or relate to billing considerations rather than the core data review tied to Category 1. Interpreting tests the clinician orders or communicating with another provider suggests more substantial data handling or collaboration. A global period is about billing timing for procedures, not the data complexity of the encounter.