July 23, 2012
Additional Information Regarding Signatures
CGS is still seeing a number of denials due to inadequate provider signatures on documentation submitted for medical review. When documentation is submitted without the proper signature of the rendering/billing provider, records cannot be validated and services will be denied.
To avoid any delay in processing all medical notes should be signed in a timely fashion, however in the event that a signature is inadvertently missing or is illegible you may submit an attestation (an example is on the CGS website, http://www.cgsmedicare.com, click on the signature icon located at the right of the screen).
Upon review of documentation if a signature is missing or illegible CGS may fax or mail to you a request for an attestation. Should you receive an attestation request please respond in a timely fashion to avoid unnecessary delays in processing your claims.
REMEMBER: The legible (signature) identifier requirement applies to documentation for ANY service performed and billed to Medicare.
Reference: CMS Internet Only Manuals (IOM) Publication 100-8, Medicare Program Integrity Manual, Chapter 3, Section 3.3.2.4