Why MEAT and TAMPER Method Is Crucial for Accurate HCC Coding
By: A Senior Coder at trainingicd10data.com
Welcome to all aspiring and professional medical coders! If you're on your path to becoming a proficient HCC (Hierarchical Condition Category) coder—or already in the field—understanding the TAMPER method is key to improving accuracy, compliance, and risk adjustment outcomes.
In this article, we’ll explore what the TAMPER method is, how it builds on the MEAT criteria, and how to apply it effectively through a real-world scenario. We’ll also connect you with other essential reads to strengthen your HCC coding expertise.
What Is the TAMPER Method in HCC Coding?
TAMPER is a clinical documentation tool used to confirm that chronic conditions in a patient’s chart meet the criteria for risk-adjusted coding. It extends the widely known MEAT framework (Monitor, Evaluate, Assess, Treat) by including three more elements that help validate a diagnosis in the medical record.
The full breakdown of TAMPER:
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T – Treatment
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A – Assessment
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M – Monitoring
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P – Plan of care
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E – Evaluation
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R – Referral
Using TAMPER ensures that coders can confidently assign diagnosis codes that are supported by documentation and clinically relevant to the patient’s current status.
Why TAMPER Is More Powerful Than MEAT Alone
While MEAT focuses on the basics of diagnosis validation, TAMPER adds forward-looking intent (Plan) and care coordination (Referral)—both of which are critical in value-based care and HCC risk adjustment.
To understand the difference and use cases between MEAT and TAMPER, check out our related article:
Top HCC Risk Adjustment Interview Questions & How to Answer Them
Example Scenario: Applying TAMPER Correctly
Patient Profile:
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Age: 72-year-old female
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Visit Reason: Follow-up for chronic conditions
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History of:
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Type 2 Diabetes with peripheral neuropathy
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Stage 3 Chronic Kidney Disease
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Morbid obesity
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Hyperlipidemia
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History of breast cancer in remission
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Documentation Review Using TAMPER
Let’s walk through how TAMPER applies to this chart.
T – Treatment
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Diabetes: Managed with long-acting insulin
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CKD: Monitored with lab work; dietary modifications discussed
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Obesity: Patient enrolled in medical weight-loss program
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Hyperlipidemia: Prescribed atorvastatin
A – Assessment
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Diabetes and CKD explicitly assessed in provider's notes
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Current A1c level and GFR discussed
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Nutritional challenges noted
M – Monitoring
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Lab values reviewed (A1c: 8.2%, eGFR: 52 mL/min)
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Vital signs, weight, BMI (42.1) recorded
P – Plan
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Continue insulin and statin
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Dietary referral and follow-up labs scheduled
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Reinforce kidney-friendly diet and weight-loss program
E – Evaluation
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Condition stability and medication adherence assessed
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Risk factors evaluated for disease progression
R – Referral
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Referral to dietitian for obesity management
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Continued nephrology co-management for CKD
Common Pitfall Caught by TAMPER
In the initial review, the coder included Z85.3 – Personal history of malignant neoplasm of breast. While the patient has a history of breast cancer, there was no assessment, treatment, or monitoring related to this condition in the visit.
Using TAMPER, this code was removed as it didn’t meet documentation criteria.
Correct Diagnoses to Code:
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E11.42 – Type 2 Diabetes with diabetic polyneuropathy
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N18.3 – CKD Stage 3
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E78.5 – Hyperlipidemia
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E66.01 – Morbid obesity
Looking to fine-tune your accuracy in selecting the right ICD-10-CM codes? Read this essential guide on:
ICD-10-CM Specificity in HCC Coding: 25 Commonly Used Conditions
Common Pitfalls to Avoid When Using TAMPER
Even with a solid process, there are frequent mistakes coders make. Here are key pitfalls and how to avoid them:
TAMPER Element | Common Pitfall | How to Avoid |
---|---|---|
Treatment | Coding based on historical medications no longer in use | Confirm active prescriptions or changes in meds |
Assessment | Assuming the condition is assessed because it’s on the problem list | Look for direct discussion or provider evaluation |
Monitoring | Using vitals alone to justify a chronic condition | Ensure condition-specific metrics (e.g., A1c, GFR) are present |
Plan | Confusing general plans (e.g., “return in 6 months”) with condition-specific plans | Look for targeted follow-ups, labs, or goals |
Evaluation | Overlooking subtle discussions like medication response or complications | Read between the lines in progress notes |
Referral | Assuming any referral supports coding | Ensure the referral is tied to a chronic diagnosis being actively managed |
Final Takeaways
TAMPER is a practical and powerful enhancement to the MEAT framework, giving coders a deeper checklist for validating chronic diagnoses in HCC coding. When used properly, it supports compliance, accurate RAF scoring, and reduces risk during audits.
Whether you're just starting your journey or prepping for a coding interview, tools like TAMPER help set you apart.
Keep Learning & Stay Sharp
Explore more on HCC best practices:
Top HCC Risk Adjustment Interview Questions & How to Answer Them
Strengthen your diagnostic specificity:
ICD-10-CM Specificity in HCC Coding: 25 Commonly Used Conditions
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If you're looking for training materials, coding tips, ICD-10-CM guidelines, or real-world examples, visit my blog and stay ahead in your coding journey:
Thanks for reading.
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