What aspect of documentation should be easy to verify according to general principles?

The name of the provider and the date of service are critical pieces of information that are essential for proper medical documentation. These details serve several important purposes in the context of healthcare coding and billing.

Firstly, the name of the provider establishes who rendered the services, which is necessary for verifying credentials and accountability. It ensures that the services can be traced back to a qualified individual, which is fundamental for maintaining standards of care.

Secondly, the date of service is crucial for determining the timing of care provided. It helps in the timeline of treatment, coordination of care, and ensuring compliance with various regulations. The date is also important for payment processing, as it establishes the relevance of the visit in relation to insurance coverage and claims submission.

This information should be easily accessible in the medical record, allowing for efficient auditing and review processes by payers and regulatory agencies. In contrast, other options such as the patient's financial background or the details about the provider's credentials may not be as straightforward to verify and may involve additional factors or documentation. The length of the visit, while relevant, can be less concrete than the firm identifiers like the provider’s name and the service date, which are typically documented in a standardized manner.