Checklist: Wound debridement / care

This checklist is intended to provide health care providers with a reference for use when responding to additional documentation requests for wound debridement / care services. It is not intended to replace the published guidelines. Health care providers retain responsibility to submit complete and accurate documentation.

Check Documentation description
  Documentation is for the correct beneficiary and date of service.
  Documentation is complete, legible, signed, and dated by the physician or clinician.
  Signed physician order for wound care / treatment
 

History & physical (H&P) with the initial wound description, location and measurements and response to prior treatment if applicable.

  • Identification of wound location, size, depth, and stage supported by a drawing or photograph of the wound.
  Clinical documentation of diagnosis or symptoms to justify services
 

Current progress notes (including measurable signs of healing as well as causes of delayed wound healing or modification to the treatment plan).

  • Documentation of the character of the wound (including dimensions, description of necrotic material present, description of tissue removed, degree of epithelialization, etc.) before and after debridement
  Operative note or procedure note for the debridement services including description of tissue debrided, instrumentation used, pre and post wound measurements.
  Plan of care (POC) containing treatment goals and physician follow -up
  Consult reports as applicable
  Reports of all testing / services billed
  Advanced Beneficiary Notice (ABN), if applicable
  Itemized bill

 

Disclaimer
This checklist was created as an aid to assist providers. This aid is not intended as a replacement for the documentation requirements published in national or local coverage determinations, or the CMS documentation guidelines. It is the responsibility of the provider of services to ensure the correct, complete, and thorough submission of documentation.