Documentation Requirements for Non-Physician Providers All non-physician providers (NPPs) must follow the same documentation requirements as set forth by the AMA and the Health Care Financing Administration (HCFA). The level of Evaluation & Management (E&M) service must be selected by the practitioner, and will be evaluated using the same criteria as those for physicians. Physicians do not have to sign documentation written by the NPPs. Proper submission of the claim, using the PIN of the NPP will direct the reviewer to the correct provider of service. There is no limitation on use of the E&M coding levels when claims are submitted for direct payment under the NPPs PINs. Counseling and coordination of care may be considered as contributing factors in the assessment of the service code level only if services are billed directly by the NPPs. These contributory elements may not be considered in determining the level of service if the services are billed using the “incident to” physician’s service provision. Return to Contents | Return to Billing Compliance