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Why This Topic Matters

Understanding who can order diagnostic imaging affects compliance, workflow, and claim support for outpatient referrals. The article highlights a Medicare rule that is directly relevant to practices coordinating suspected fracture imaging and similar diagnostic testing.

Article Sections

1. Question and answer on pre-visit X-ray orders

   A reader question addresses whether diagnostic imaging can be ordered before an in-person office evaluation in a referral scenario. The response summarizes the applicable Medicare framework and the general setting where the rule applies.

2. CMS diagnostic test ordering requirements

   This section cites the federal regulation and describes the general conditions for ordering diagnostic tests under Medicare. It also explains the relationship between the treating physician, test ordering, and use of results in patient management.

3. Practical referral workflow considerations

   The article briefly discusses how test orders may be handled when a provider has not yet seen the patient. It references referral-based ordering in the context of outpatient orthopedics and similar situations.