Additional Clarification of Physician Signature
During reviews performed by the Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) contractor, concerns have emerged involving physician signatures. A few simple steps to remember:
- ALWAYS sign your notes/orders – submitted records with just a typed signature/signature line with no handwritten or electronic signature is not acceptable
- Signatures must be legible – a signature where no letters can be established is not acceptable
- ALWAYS print your name along with your written signature for clarification
- Initials must also have a printed name for clarification - when a note is from an inpatient setting, a full signature is preferred along with a printed name
- Notes that have been transcribed should always be reviewed and signed – either electronically or with a hand-written signature - by the author of the note.
Remember, providers have the same appeal rights for CERT initiated denials as they do for denials initiated through CGS. All of the same Medicare guidelines apply, including those regarding the 120-day time frame allowed for an appeal (redetermination).
The Redetermination (Appeal) Request Form can be found on the Part B forms page.
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