The rules for documenting services provided jointly between an attending or teaching physician and a resident in a GME program vary based on the service that was provided.

For some types of services, the teaching physician must personally document participation in the care of the patient. For other services, the resident or a nurse can document it.

This quick reference guide breaks down who must document what for which services as outlined in Medicare’s teaching physician rules. Review these guidelines every year when new residents arrive.

For additional resources, see

• The CodingIntel guide to Teaching Physician Rules,
• Teaching physician articles and tips, and
• An important update on Teaching Physician Rules and E/M Services