Next Event: Practical Application of Front End Essentials for Billing
Date: May 28,2025
Do Therapists Need to Co-Sign Notes Written By an Assistant?
A question I am often is asked is does the Medicare program require notes that are written by a physical therapist assistant (PTA) or an occupational therapy assistant (OTA) be cosigned by the supervising physical therapist (PT) or occupational therapist (OT), respectively. The answer is
Complying with Medicare Signature Requirements
Do you have questions concerning signature requirements under the Medicare program? If yes, I recommend you click HERE and read the March 2021 MLN Fact Sheet on Medicare signature requirements.
Complying With Medicare Signature Requirements
Documentation must meet Medicare’s signature requirements. If Medicare claims reviewers cannot validate the signatures, Medicare Administrative Contractors (MACs) deny the claim, assess an error, and begin recouping overpayments. Questions I receive regarding signatures include the following: How does CMS define a handwritten signature? What if I use a scribe when documenting medical record entries? What is required for a valid signature? What should I do if I did not sign a medical record? What if I signed the order or progress note but my signature is not legible? What is a signature log? Am I able to attest to my