Physician Signature Requirements for Tests

A physician’s signature is not required on orders for clinical diagnostic tests (including X-ray, laboratory and other diagnostic tests) that are paid on the basis of the clinical laboratory fee schedule, the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule (MPFS) or for physician pathology services. While a physician’s order is not required to be signed, physicians must clearly document in the medical record their intent that the test be performed. (Providers may reference CR 6100, Transmittal 94, dated August 29, 2008.)

The article, titled “Physician Signature Requirements for Diagnostic Tests,” is available on the CMS MLN Matters Web page at:

http://www.cms.hhs.gov/MLNMattersArticles/downloads/MM6100.pdf


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