How to Avoid the Most Common Chiropractic Documentation Errors: Chiropractic CE Is The Answer! Posted on Sep 25, 2023

How to Avoid the Most Common Chiropractic Documentation Errors: Chiropractic CE Courses Hold The Answer!


image of chiropractic documentation on our online chiro page CCEDseminars | Our Online Chiro Courses Are The Answer!Correct Health Record Documentation is Your Responsibility

“MORE DOCUMENTATION, YES,” said no chiropractor ever. Health record documentation is the most difficult—and unrewarding—part of being a good doctor. However, proper documentation is critical for patient care quality and compliance, especially when defending against audits. This article dives into the most common errors in chiropractic documentation and how to avoid them.


Documentation Is Essential To Establish Medical Necessity

Understanding the difference between clinically appropriate care and medically necessary care is vital. Medically necessary care meets a higher standard and varies based on payer types or even board of examiners. Always ensure your documentation includes all the necessary details to establish medical necessity, from initial intake and history to a well-defined treatment plan. Click HERE for more information!


CPT and ICD Coding Doesn’t Match Documentation

Your coding should always align with what's in the documentation. Incorrect coding not only leads to audit failures but also negatively impacts the chiropractic profession. For example, treating the full spine when the patient has a complaint only in the neck and billing for multiple spinal regions is incorrect. Always ensure your documentation and coding match.


Documentation is Missing

Failing to document services is an egregious error, and one that can have severe consequences. Always maintain comprehensive records for each patient. Records should be signed and dated, in chronological order, to meet compliance guidelines.


Experimental, Investigational and Unproven Procedures and Techniques

Using techniques and therapies that are considered experimental or investigational by third-party payers can be a tricky area. These require specific documentation and possibly patient consent to proceed. Always check the medical review policy of the payer you're billing to understand these limitations.


Lack of Provider’s Signature and Authentication

An unsigned note is incomplete. Always ensure that all notes are signed by the respective provider to avoid issues later on, especially with electronic health record (EHR) systems.


Documentation may be a challenge, but it's a crucial aspect of a well-functioning chiropractic practice. Being vigilant about avoiding these common documentation errors will not only improve your practice's compliance but will also contribute to better patient care.

Closing Thoughts

For those who are looking to further hone their skills in this area, consider enrolling in chiropractic CE courses that focus on documentation best practices. CCEDseminars offer a range of options to help you stay ahead of the curve and ensure that your practice thrives.

Through comprehensive understanding and constant improvement, you can elevate your documentation practices, improving both compliance and your bottom line. Click HERE for more clinical pearls!

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