Wiki Signatures required for encounter forms?

[LRouthCoding@yahoo.com]

Our physicians (all providers) do their chart notes after seeing a patient, then "code" their encounters on a separate form that is submitted to coders for review and code entry into our practice management system.
The forms are filed and saved, but are not part of pt. charts.

Is a provider signature required on the encounter forms?

 

[Pam Warren]

In my opinion, the fee tickets, encounter forms, etc., are just billing tools, not permanent medical records. As such, I wouldn't necessarily require a signature, unless you are posting a charge directly from the fee ticket (not recommended). The best case is to code from the complete, signed documentation, though, which is the permanent medical record, and use the forms as just a reference.

 

[kevbshields]

I would concur that because encounter forms are not part of the patient record, there is no signature requirement.

 

[LRouthCoding@yahoo.com]

Thank you! I appreciate your responses.