Final answer:
To code a preventive physical exam accurately, it is true that the coder must determine the level of history the provider has documented. This includes reviewing the PFSH and HPI components, which are vital for correct CPT code selection.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a coder must first determine the level of history the provider has recorded to code a preventive physical exam is true. In medical billing and coding, a thorough review of the patient's history is essential for selecting the correct Current Procedural Terminology (CPT) codes.
These codes are used to describe the services provided by healthcare professionals. The level of history includes the patient's past, family, and social history (PFSH), and the history of present illness (HPI), among other components. Accurate coding is crucial for ensuring proper reimbursement and communicating patient care details among providers.