When services are provided by a resident and documented appropriately, what is required from the teaching physician?

When services are provided by a resident and documented appropriately, the teaching physician is required to participate in critical portions of the service. This participation is a key aspect of the teaching physician guidelines, aimed at ensuring that the resident receives appropriate guidance and oversight during patient care.

The teaching physician must be actively involved in the evaluation and management of the patient’s care, which may include conducting a portion of the examination themselves, making decisions regarding patient management, or discussing treatment plans with the resident. This interaction is essential for the educational experience of the resident and is necessary for proper reimbursement under Medicare and other payers, as it validates that the teaching physician played a key role in the care provided.

As a result, simply signing off on documents or only reviewing charts does not meet the requirements established for teaching physicians. Their active involvement is crucial for both the educational objectives and the compliance with coding and billing regulations related to resident services.