What Does Separately Identifiable Mean? Heed Medicare's Advice on What Constitutes a Written Report

Why This Topic Matters

Documentation for diagnostic interpretations can affect whether the service is recognized as separately identifiable and whether it meets Medicare and carrier expectations. Understanding the general reporting and supervision themes helps practices reduce documentation gaps and align with local policy.

Article Sections

1. Discern Review from Interpreted Report

   This section contrasts general chart review with a formal interpretation report and describes the broad documentation elements Medicare expects to see in an EKG/ECG interpretation context.

2. Follow These Documentation Tips

   This section discusses general ways to organize documentation so an interpretation can be clearly identified in the record and attributed to the appropriate provider.

3. When residents do the interpreting

   This section addresses resident involvement in interpretation documentation, teaching physician review, and the importance of checking applicable local policy guidance.