HPI documentation

Is there a definitive source I can reference to show my providers that ancillary staff CANNOT be documenting the HPI? I've checked my Cahaba website and cannot find anything that says so in capital letters and in black and white! (I might not be looking in the right place on the website.) Please help. Thanks!

re: HPI documentation

Hope this helps:

The HPI may only be obtained by the provider, and may not be obtained by ancillary staff.

Reference: Resident & New Physician Guide, 8th Edition
(located at http://www.cms.gov/MLNProducts/downloads/physicianguide.pdf )

re: HPI documentation

The physician must write an HPI Statement. It is understood the residents and other ancillary staff may collect some of this information as well but this does not absolve the physician of the duty to verify the information and summarize the HPI statement his / herself. The ROS past family and social history maybe obtained and documented by someone other than the physician. However, the physician must review and comment on the information, whereas in the HPI the entire thing must be done by the physician."

Quote from Bart McCann, MD
Executive Medical Director HCFA
Printed in Physician Practice Coder,
December 1997.

There is also this FAQ that was published in the November 2003 Communiqué. It also available at http://www.wpsic.com/medicare/provider/doc_faq.shtml

re: HPI documentation

Thanks to all!