In the context of exam types, what primarily differentiates a limited examination from an extended examination?

The primary differentiation between a limited examination and an extended examination lies in the amount of information documented during the examination. A limited examination typically focuses on a specific issue or condition, leading to a narrower scope of assessment and documentation. In contrast, an extended examination involves a more comprehensive evaluation, taking into account various aspects of the patient's medical history, a broader review of systems, and often includes additional tests or assessments.

This difference in documentation not only reflects the extent of the physician's assessment but also influences coding and billing practices, as the level of service provided correlates directly with the amount of detail captured in the examination. Therefore, understanding this distinction is crucial for accurate coding and compliance with regulations in healthcare.

While other factors, such as the number of specialists involved, the examination location, or the patient's age, may contribute to the overall examination context, they do not specifically define the core difference between the limited and extended examination types.