E/M Coding Alert - 2012 Issue 4
Reader Question: Don't drop the signature baton in handing off a patient at change of shift
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Article Overview
This short reader question and answer addresses how an emergency department should document physician handoffs when a patient encounter is passed from one doctor to another at shift change. It focuses on internal group policy, chart-signature practices, productivity and revenue attribution concerns, and basic risk-management considerations for emergency care teams.
Why This Topic Matters
Shift-change handoffs can affect documentation consistency, billing workflow, and accountability in emergency medicine. The article is useful for physician groups, coders, and practice managers who want to understand the operational and compliance implications of handoff sign-off policies.
What You Will Learn
- How the article frames documentation responsibility during emergency department shift changes.
- Why consistent group policy matters for chart signature practices.
- How handoff documentation can intersect with physician credit, workflow, and risk management.
- What broad documentation approaches are discussed for incomplete encounters passed between physicians.
Who Should Read This
- Emergency physicians
- Emergency department medical groups
- Practice managers
- Medical coders
- Compliance staff
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