Neurology & Pain Management Coding Alert

Check signature requirements to keep your providers on track.Including provider signatures is a basic documentation requirement for your patient charts, but can also be a daily challenge. Check your answers against our experts' advice to verify your group's signature compliance.Handwritten and Electronic Could Meet CriteriaQuestion 1: Some of our physicians use handwritten signatures on their charts and others prefer electronic signatures. Is either kind acceptable?Answer 1: According to CMS documents, "Medicare requires a legible identifier for services provided/ordered." That "identifier" -- or signature -- can be electronic or handwritten, as long as the provider meets certain criteria. Legible first and last names, a legible first initial with last name, or even an illegible signature over a printed or typed name are acceptable. You're also covered if the provider's signature is illegible but is on a page with other information identifying the signer (letterhead, addressograph, etc.)."Also be sure to include the provider's credentials," [...]