Optimize your documentation to improve Medicare reimbursement

Abstract

There's nothing more frustrating than not getting credit for work performed. Physicians often leave large amounts of compensation on the table, because even though services were provided, insurance payers do not recognize the work due to suboptimal documentation. This problem is especially apparent in preventive medicine and wellness visits with adult and geriatric patients, and results in physician services being undervalued. This article outlines specifi c documentation requirements for receiving full credit for the work already provided by most primary care physicians.

The NP's role in increasing RVU values

“…When NP services are undervalued, the work that is done is not appropriately compensated. [18][19][20] One of the issues for NPs is that there are no set benchmarks for the number of RVUs that NPs should reach in a year. Another concern for NPs is when RVUs are used as the sole measure of productivity and practice achievement.…”

“…A significant amount of NPs' time is spent providing patient care and documenting encounters; therefore, to safeguard NPs' voices, it is imperative that completing coding evaluation surveys becomes a priority. When NP services are undervalued, the work that is done is not appropriately compensated 18-20. One of the issues for NPs is that there are no set benchmarks for the number of RVUs that NPs should reach in a year.…”