In a clarification sent last week, National Government Services, the Jurisdiction B DME MAC, said it has received several questions about MLN Matters article 6261 regarding signature and date stamps. According to the MAC's message, one of the highest Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) errors continues to involve "multiple issues related to physician orders, including the lack of a legible identifier." But as of Feb. 2, the MAC message reminded, "signature and date stamps are not acceptable for use on Certificates of Medical Necessity (CMNs) and DME Information Forms (DIFs)." In fact, signature and date stamps "are not acceptable on any medical record documentation," the MAC said, including detailed written orders, dispensing orders, detailed written orders prior to delivery and signed and dated statements of compliance from the treating physician. The clarification said more information is available in the Program Integrity Manual.
Monday, March 2, 2009