Wiki Patient signature on file

[Colliemom]

Does anyone know how long a "signature on file" lasts? Should it be updated yearly? Or is one signature, when the patient first comes to the practice, sufficient for all the years they remain a patient of that practice? (3 years, 5 years, 10 years, etc)

(this is the signature authorization to bill the patient's insurance)

 

[medcoder9]

I would assume, that signature is good for 3 years. If you you would consider the new patient/established patient ruling.

 

[Colliemom]

Thank you.

Does your billing manager agree?

We are trying to find out if anyone knows how long, legally, the signature on file will be valid. Another possiblilty....is it only valid while the patient remains with the practice and has that insurance? If the patient changes his/her insurance plan then shouldn't a new signature authorizing the practice to bill that new insurance plan be obtained?

Or does your practice obtain this signed authorization each time the patient is seen in the office?