5 tips to properly bill for teaching physicians

Why This Topic Matters

Teaching physician claims are a frequent audit target, so understanding the article’s scope can help readers assess whether they need guidance on documentation, supervision, resident participation, and related Medicare billing requirements.

Article Sections

1. Introduction: teaching physician billing and audit risk

   Introduces the topic of resident and teaching physician services and explains why these claims are commonly reviewed. It frames the article around common compliance and overpayment risk areas.

2. Common issues to watch in teaching physician billing

   Outlines the main compliance themes covered in the article. This section serves as the lead-in to the practical checklist that follows.

3. Get supervision right

   Discusses the supervision context for resident services and the need for appropriate physician oversight. It emphasizes the importance of documentation supporting the physician’s participation.

4. Fully document physician's involvement

   Focuses on the physician’s role in documenting involvement in the service. It distinguishes physician-authored documentation from resident documentation.

5. Avoid time-saving shorthand

   Addresses brief or generic documentation language and why it can be inadequate. The section uses an example of more complete documentation to illustrate the issue.

6. Make sure to use modifier GC

   Covers a frequently missed modifier in claims involving resident participation. It explains that the topic applies across multiple service categories, including procedures and anesthesia.

7. Modifier GE may apply in some cases

   Describes the general circumstances under which the primary care exception is discussed. It also notes the article’s focus on the associated documentation and attestation framework.

8. Attestation and Medicare manual reference

   Highlights the article’s mention of written attestation and the Medicare Claims Processing Manual as a source for additional requirements. It points readers toward the broader administrative guidance referenced in the article.