decisionhealth Newsletters, Part B News - 2008 Issue 3 (March)
Best practice: Keeping patient records
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Article Overview
This article discusses practical considerations for maintaining patient records and identifying patients in the course of care and billing. It explains the general viewpoints of CMS and other organizations on patient identifiers, the role of identification on claims, and why providers may want to keep linking information in their internal records. It is aimed at medical billers, coders, and practice staff who handle patient documentation and claim submission.
Why This Topic Matters
Accurate patient identification affects recordkeeping, claim payment, and administrative compliance. Understanding the general guidance from CMS, HIPAA, and patient safety organizations helps practices document patients consistently without overstepping what is required by Medicare rules.
What You Will Learn
- General patient identification practices in medical records
- How patient identity information relates to claim processing
- The role of internal identifiers in practice recordkeeping
- The relationship between patient identification, HIPAA, and Medicare administration
Who Should Read This
- Medical coders
- Medical billers
- Practice managers
- Compliance staff
- Front office staff
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