1. Problem Type Selection:
Miranda is following up on her diabetes, which is a chronic condition. Her blood sugars are controlled, indicating that the condition is stable with her current medication regimen.
Stable, chronic illness is defined in the CPT® MDM (Medical Decision Making) Table as a chronic condition that is under control and not currently worsening, even if ongoing management is required. This aligns with the patient's diabetes being well-managed with her prescribed medications.
2. Rationale for Excluding Other Options:
A. Acute, uncomplicated illness or injury is not applicable as diabetes is a chronic condition, not an acute issue.
B. Minimal problem refers to conditions that are minor or self-limited and typically require little to no treatment, which does not apply to chronic conditions like diabetes.
D. Stable, acute illness would refer to an acute condition that has stabilized, whereas diabetes is a chronic condition, not acute.
3. AAPC and CPT® Coding Guidelines:
According to the CPT® MDM Table, a "Stable, chronic illness" is the correct classification for a follow-up encounter on a controlled chronic condition like diabetes.
Therefore, the correct answer is C. Stable, chronic illness.
