An easy way to avoid Medicare claim rejections is to make sure signatures on notes and orders meet Medicare standards.
Medicare requires a legible handwritten or electronic signature on orders and other medical record documentation. Stamped signatures are not accepted.
However, initials and illegible signatures are allowed in some circumstances. These include:
- The illegible signature or initials are over a typed or printed name.
- The identity of the signer is indicated in the letterhead, address, or other information on the page.
- Documentation is accompanied by a signature log or attestation statement.
- The handwritten note is unsigned but is written in the same handwriting as another entry on the page that is signed.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has created a chart to help you determine when a signature meets Medicare requirements. The chart begins on page 12 of change request 6698.
An MLN Matters article also addresses the legible signature requirements.