The request for provider sign-off stems from the ability to verify work has been reviewed by the eligible clinician, and not solely managed by another role within the organization—or externally.
An eligible provider must be able to provide evidence of their involvement in Care Management efforts. They should not be submitting care management efforts they have not directly reviewed. That said, we suggest provider’s sign-off on care plans to indicate that they have reviewed the care plans they are counting towards their CM efforts.
If there is a systematic limitation–meaning an electronic system does not allow the provider to electronically sign-off on the care plan–an acceptable workaround would be to provide a relevant office visit note(s), a telephone communication note(s), etc. where the provider has documented that the care plan was reviewed, discussed, updated, etc. with the patient.
Evidence provided should exemplify that the eligible clinician has had direct oversight in care management efforts for the patient. Care planning efforts may be facilitated by other parties within the practice, but the eligible clinician must be an involved participant in the care management efforts included in their CM reporting.
PCMH 2017