Pathology/Lab Coding Alert

Learn what constitutes an acceptable signature, according to CMS. You'll soon need to make sure physicians and non-physician practitioners (NPP) sign your paper lab requisitions if you want to get paid, but exactly what does that entail? CMS provides specific guidance on what constitutes an acceptable "signature" for documents subject to review for Medicare payment or by an audit contractor. Make sure your documents measure up by complying with one of the following options: 1. Make Sure It's Legible The simplest signature -- but most difficult to ensure -- is a legible full-name signature or a legible signature using first initial and last name. Unfortunately, you won't find many physicians or NPP who have a legible signature, and you certainly won't want to stake your payment on it. That's when you'll turn to option 2. 2. Accept Printed Name with Scribble If you can't count on ordering physicians and NPP to legibly [...]