Corrections in the Medical Record
If the original entry in the medical record is incomplete, contracting providers shall follow the guidelines below for making a correction, addendum, or amendment. Signature requirements as defined above apply to all corrections in the medical record.
a. Errors in paper-based records:
To add an addendum or amendment to paper-based records, draw a single line in ink through the incorrect entry, print the word “error” at the top of the entry, the reason for the change, the correct information, and authenticate the error by signing (including credentials) the notation with the date and time. Entries should not be antedated (assigned a date earlier than the current date). Errors must never be blocked out or erased.
b. Electronic medical records/Electronic health records:
i. Addendum
An addendum is new documentation used to add information to an original entry that has already been signed. Addenda should be timely with date and time of the addendum. Write “addendum” and state the reason for the addendum referring back to the original entry.
Complete the addendum as soon after the original note as possible. Identify any sources of information used to support the addendum. Entries should not be antedated (assigned a date earlier than the current date).
ii. Amendment
An amendment is documentation meant to clarify or provide additional information within the medical record in conjunction with a previous entry. An amendment is made after the original documentation has been completed and signed by the provider. All amendments should be timely with the date and time of the amended documentation. Write “amendment” and document the clarifying information referring back to the original entry.
Complete the amendment as soon after the original note as possible. Entries should not be antedated (assigned a date earlier than the current date).
5. Use of Medical Scribes
Scribes are not permitted to make independent decisions or translations while capturing or entering information into the health record or EHR beyond what is directed by the provider. BCBSKS expects the signing and dating of all entries made by a scribe to be identifiable and distinguishable from that of a physician or licensed independent practitioner. All entries made by a scribe are ultimately the practitioner’s responsibility; therefore, review of the documentation and verification of its accuracy, including authentication by the practitioner, is required.
BCBSKS requests for medical records
1. BCBSKS staff members conduct medical review of claims and seek the advice of qualified and, typically, practicing professionals when necessary. Contracting providers agree to accept the decisions made as a result of those reviews and to follow the appeals procedures established by this Policy Memo.
2. The entire review process itself includes the development of guidelines that relate to specific provisions of members’ contracts; the processing of claims based on guidelines and medical records when indicated; the retrospective review of claim determinations; and the appeal process. BCBSKS seeks the advice of clinical professionals at appropriate points throughout the entire review process.
3. Contracting providers must submit all pertinent and complete medical records to BCBSKS within the time frame specified by BCBSKS when records are needed for the initial review of a claim or when records are requested for an audit. In most instances, BCBSKS will allow 30 calendar days for the production of the requested records. In certain unusual circumstances as determined solely by BCBSKS, BCBSKS will require providers to submit medical records without advance notice. In such cases, a BCBSKS representative will visit the provider’s office during business hours and secure the requested records immediately. The provider agrees to provide the requested records immediately. Members’ contracts permit BCBSKS to obtain medical records without a signed patient release.
4. The ordering/referring provider shall also provide medical records to the performing provider when requested for the purpose of medical necessity review. Additional documentation that is not a part of the medical record and that was not provided at the time of the initial request will not be accepted. Only records created contemporaneous with treatment will be considered pertinent. Services denied for failure to submit documentation are not eligible for provider appeal, and are a provider write-off.
5. If BCBSKS determines that the patient services provided by the contracting provider are not medically necessary, the claim is denied and is a write-off to the provider. If the services are requested by the patient after being advised by the provider of the lack of medical necessity and the daily record or patient chart has been documented to that effect and a written waiver is obtained by the provider before the service being rendered, charges for the services will be the patient’s responsibility.
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