If your claims are lacking a legible signature, you’ll also find a lack of income. That’s because CMS requires a legible signature on your documentation, said Part B MAC NGS Medicare in a recent reminder.
“Unsigned documentation or lack of attestation will result in the denial of services,” the payer says. “The MD signature is required on orders for laboratory services, diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, therapy treatment plans and physician progress notes,” NGS adds.
What about chicken scratch? If your doctor’s signature is present but unreadable, you’ve got options, NGS says. “If you notice the signature is illegible when asked to supply medical records, please include a signature key, signature page or a document from the provider/physician or compliance officer that affirms the signature is indeed the provider’s/physician’s.”
Resource: To read more about how to comply with Medicare’s signature requirements, visit www.cms.gov/Outreach-and-Education/Medicare-Learning-Network-MLN/MLNProducts/downloads/Signature_Requirements_Fact_Sheet_ICN905364.pdf.