Ensure patient documents are legible and complete

Written by Reed Tinsley, CPA | March 26, 2009

 

Want to help keep your medical office’s documentation crisp, complete and legible? Use this checklist to make sure that your patient files pass muster if an auditor ever comes calling.

PATIENT DOCUMENT CHECKLIST

Before you file away that patient document or send it to an insurance carrier, take a minute to look at the file and ask yourself:

Is the documentation legible?

Does the documentation substantiate the patient service?

Does the documentation clearly identify the provider of the service?

Is the documentation complete and accurate?

Can you read the documentation?

If you can’t answer "yes" to all of these questions, don’t file or mail that document - fix it first!

About the Author

Reed Tinsley CPA

This article is written by Reed Tinsley, a Houston, TX-based CPA with over 30 years of experience advising physicians and medical practices across Texas and the United States. Reed holds certifications as a Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), Certified Healthcare Business Consultant (CHBC), and Certified Financial Planner (CFP), specializing exclusively in the healthcare sector. He is a published author, nationally recognized speaker, and trusted advisor to physicians on accounting & tax, practice management, and financial planning. Schedule a Free Consultation.

Have questions? I’m here to help.

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