Physician Signature Requirements for Diagnostic Tests for Apr. 2009

The information in this Change Request updates the Medicare Benefit Policy manual to incorporate language that was previously contained in Section 15021 of the Medicare Carriers Manual. Specifically, it notes that a physician’s signature is not required on orders for clinical diagnostic tests that are paid on the basis of the clinical laboratory fee schedule, the Medicare physician fee schedule, or for physician pathology services. While a physician order is not required to be signed, the physician must clearly document in the medical record his or her intent that the test be performed.