Part B Insider (Multispecialty) Coding Alert

Plus: CMS Approves "Check Box" for Physician's Home Health Documentation

Electronic medical records (EMRs) can be a terrific complement to a medical practice in terms of creating thorough documentation. But if your physician isn't signing the record, you could say goodbye to reimbursement.

CGS Medicare, a Part B payer in Kentucky and Ohio, issued an alert last month noting that errors in this category have increased recently, leading to stalled claims and slashed reimbursement.

"When signing medical records electronically, the electronic signature MUST appear in the records when printed or your claim will be in error," CGS notes. "One common error we see is that although the physician signs off on his/her notes in the electronic medical record, when printed the signature does not appear on the printed copy which causes an error."

Therefore, you should ensure that your EMR is configured to print not only your record itself but also the practitioner's signature.

To read more on this issue, visit CGS's web site at http://cgsmedicare.com/ohb/pubs/mb_J15/2012/05_2012/index.html#006.