Requisitions will require a signature

Why This Topic Matters

The article matters because it highlights a Medicare-driven paperwork change that affects how lab tests are requested and documented. Practices that send clinical laboratory specimens need to understand which documents require signatures and how their internal processes may need to adapt.

Article Sections

1. Signature requirement for clinical laboratory requisitions

   Introduces the Medicare-related change affecting paperwork sent to clinical diagnostic laboratories and the timing of implementation. It also frames who in the practice may be affected.

2. What CMS means by a requisition

   Explains the general role of requisition paperwork in the clinical laboratory setting and the types of information it may contain. The section focuses on the administrative definition used by CMS.

3. Practice workflow considerations

   Discusses how practices may handle signature review, form availability, and internal routing before laboratory submission. It addresses operational planning rather than coding specifics.

4. Orders are not affected by this rule

   Distinguishes laboratory orders from requisitions and notes that a separate CMS manual reference addresses the concept of an order. The section also points to the requirement for clinician involvement in signed orders.

5. Consider the lab order loopholes

   Covers alternative ways practices may transmit lab orders and the operational caveats associated with verbal and electronic communication. It includes broader privacy, security, and documentation considerations.

6. Official resources

   Lists referenced CMS source materials and related organizational context for readers who want to review the underlying guidance.