Home Forums Discussions General Discussion What constitutes an electronic signature?

I would like to get some feedback from the board regarding what you think constitutes an electronic signature. We are all aware that Amazing Charts progress notes state that the progress note is signed electronically. However, I see this as different from something that I sign on UPDOX, with my actual signature, utilizing a mouse. For some reason, certain entities such as a medical supply company providing an oxygen concentrator and some mail-order pharmacies are not accepting documents I have signed with my signature on UPDOX. Instead, they want me to print out the form, sign it in ink then fax it back to them. To me, I cannot see how they could tell the difference. In this day and age, this seems to be one more nuisance that we have to deal with.

I added the phrase ?Document Electronically Signed by ___name_____? below my hand-produced Updox signature for the same reason, and it seems that now they are ok with it...

I usually fax back the reply "This office does not print out faxes. If you require a hand signed form and cannot take an electronic signature, please send the form in a SASE (self addressed stamped envelope) and we will sign and return by mail." Occasionally I get mail usually they relent.

The following are generally approved methods of digital signature:
--Scanned signatures
--Digital signatures
--Flattened digital signatures. A flattened digital signature must include:
the printed name of the signer
the date and time when the signature was executed
the reason for signature

You are going to encounter individuals who do not understand the law and have a preferred method for e-signatures.

References if you are interested

CMS on signatures E-Signatures vs Digital Signatures

It just depends. Our lab will take a req with no signature. Just the printed name below it.

X-ray requires that it be either wet signed or that it say:

Digitally signed by doctor's name.

It cannot say:

Electronically signed by doctor's name.

It's just another example of the stupidity of regulations in healthcare.

A lot of small businesses use an I-pad app to run a credit card.
There is no stylus -- you sign with your finger tip.
That, I suppose, is what they mean by "digitally signed??"