Update: CLFS Physician Signature Rule
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TO: Physicians utilizing Backus Lab Services
FROM: Timothy Shizume, Director
RE: Update on CMS physician signature rule
DATE: December 21, 2010
UPDATE: Based on input from national laboratory groups and organizations, CMS has decided to delay implementation of the final rule requiring physician signatures on laboratory requisitions. Please note that this decision only delays implementation, and that CMS will, in all probability, proceed with this ruling at a later date. We encourage all physicians and physician offices to continue their efforts to comply with this forthcoming regulation. We will provide you with additional information as we receive it.
Here is the information sent previously about the new rule:
CMS has released the final rule for the 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule. A new policy will significantly impact order requirements for services paid under the Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule (“CLFS”). Currently, physician signature is not required on orders/requisitions for clinical diagnostic tests paid on the basis of the CLFS; rather the physician documentation may be evident solely in the patient’s medical record. The 2011 final rule will reverse this policy. Physician signature will be required on requisitions for all clinical diagnostic laboratory tests paid on the basis of CLFS. It should be noted that orders generated and transmitted electronically from the physician to the laboratory do not appear to be impacted at this time.
Further clarification to this new rule states that the physician must personally sign the requisition- office staff or nurses cannot sign for the physician. The rule also prohibits the use of stamps or pre-printed signatures.
Please communicate this information to the appropriate office personnel, including all physicians and providers who may order laboratory testing.
Since this is now a compliance issue, and CMS has stated that they may audit Laboratories for compliance to the new standard, we are required to adhere to this new ruling or face potential fines and penalties.
If you have questions concerning this new requirement, please contact me at (860)-823-6308 or by email at tshizume@wwbh.org.
We appreciate your cooperation.