Neurosurgery Coding Alert

Question: One of our physicians likes to sign everything with just his initials, or sometimes an illegible scrawl. Do we need some type of documentation to support what an auditor might not be able to read?

Illinois Subscriber

Answer: Yes, you would be wise to keep a signature log as additional documentation. Medicare orders must contain "a legible handwritten, full signature with credentials, handwritten initials, or electronic signature," according to information from National Government Services (NGS). Otherwise, the payer could deny your claim.

A signature log must contain "a typed or printed name, credentials, and a sample of the signature and initials," NGS explains. "Stamped signatures are not acceptable."

Additional help: While training your physician to do better with his signatures, mark the form with a "date received" stamp if the physician fails to date her signature.