by Grant Helferich 
Last month, we introduced the first of a 5-part series on writing good patient care reports (PCRs), which focused on collecting patient information (See Full Article: September 2016 newsletter).

This month, for the second part of the series, we will be focusing on how to avoid vague terminology in PCRs.

In order to get claims paid, well-written patient care reports with complete and accurate information are imperative. Encourage your staff or colleagues to use these criteria as guidelines to writing complete and accurate PCRs that reduce the chance of insurance denials. 

  
Criterion 2: Are you avoiding vague terminology in your PCRs?
 
Avoid any terminology that doesn't give the reader a clear clinical picture of what the patient is experiencing. This should be especially followed when filling out PCRs for non-emergency transports.

☑ Avoid vague terminology .
 
Avoid using vague words and/or phrases like "Weakness", "Fall" or "Transport for higher level of Care". The use of these terms don't provide a clear clinical picture of the signs and symptoms for the patient at the time of transport. Try to be as descriptive and specific as you can.

Example: Patient stated feeling weak beginning about one hour ago. Upon assessment, patient is unable to lift head and grip is weak. Patient is able to lift arms but not able to leave arms up for extended period of time. When sitting patient up, patient is unable to maintain sitting position without assistance.
 
 
  ☑ Include the values of your assessment.

Don't simply state that the patient has high blood pressure. You need to document what your findings were when you assessed their blood pressure, including your assessment of their blood sugar level.


Example: During assessment, blood pressure was 210/100 in the right arm. This is high for a patient's normal blood pressure, in which the patient states normally runs 140/85. Patient's pulse is 80 and weak in the right wrist. Patient's blood sugar was recorded as 95 with glucometer. 
  

Stay tuned for Part 3...


Grant Helferich
Grant is employed as EMS Advisor/Business Development Manager with Omni EMS Billing in Wichita, Kansas. He is a former member of the KEMSA Board and has also served as the treasurer and president of the KEMSA Administrator's Society. He was certi­ed as an EMT, EMT-I, M.I.C.T. , and T.O. II. Grant has worked as an EMT, EMT-I, M.I.C.T., Field Supervisor, Flight Paramedic, Cardiovascular Specialist, Assistant Director, and Director of EMS.
 

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From the increasingly sophisticated equipment they carry and the new lifesaving techniques they use, to the changing roles they play in some communities-providing preventive care and monitoring patients at home-ambulance crews today are hardly recognizable from their origins as "horizontal taxicabs."... read more

   
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Our mission everyday is to maximize our clients' time and revenue through the use of the latest technology, continued education, and the ­best customer service available.
 
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