Complying with Medicare Signature Requirements

• By: Maureen Carland
• On: 09/08/2025 09:30:51
• In: Quality/Regulatory

Medicare requires that all medical documentation be properly signed and dated by the responsible provider to support billing and compliance. Handwritten signatures are standard, and stamped signatures are generally not accepted unless the provider has a documented disability. When documentation is created by a scribe—including artificial intelligence tools—the authoring provider must still sign and date the entry, while the scribe does not need to. If a signature is missing, providers may submit an attestation (except for orders), and illegible signatures can be supported by a signature log or printed name. Supervisors must review, sign, and date any documentation created by medical students.

To avoid claim denials or review delays, providers should ensure signatures and dates are complete and legible, and respond promptly if contractors request an attestation or signature log. Contractors typically allow 20 calendar days for submission, which extends the review period. Electronic signature systems must be secure and legally compliant, with providers bearing responsibility for authenticity. Overall, timely and accurate signatures are essential to Medicare compliance and smooth claims processing.

CMS recently published this MLN Fact Sheet which contains more details.
 
Staff Contact: mcarland@mehca.org