Electronic Clinical Template Has Potential to Ease Documentation Headaches
We are cautiously optimistic about a new electronic clinical template CMS is developing for power mobility devices (PMDs). Per an open door forum call on March 21, 2012, the template will allow electronic health record (EHR) vendors to create a series of automated prompts to remind physicians of specific Medicare documentation requirements for PMDs. We say we are cautiously optimistic about the template, because full details on its functionality and application have not yet been provided.
At this time it is unclear whether the template will be implemented as part of the EHR mandate or if its use will be voluntary. For the full benefit to be achieved, we believe that use of the template will need to be mandatory, and that it must be considered an official part of the physician’s medical records. In addition, physicians must not be allowed to bypass the prompts. If implemented in this capacity, the series of prompts will help to ensure that relevant medical necessity information is not left out at the point chart notes are entered into the system.
As of now the template is still in the planning phase. CMS will be setting up a subpage on their website to provide more information on this initiative in the near future. The first in a series of special open door forum calls to discuss the new template will be held today, on April 10, 2012 at 2pm EST. To attend the live event dial: 1-800-837-1935, conference ID: 69286340.