University of Florida College of Medicine

College of Medicine Office of Compliance, Gainesville, Florida
COMPLIANCE TIP

Ordering Outpatient Ancillary Services
(This is Shands' Policy)

1.    All diagnostic tests/procedures must be ordered by a physician/practitioner (including PA, ARNP) who is treating the patient.

2.    The order must be communicated to the testing facility by written request that:

  • Is completely and legibly filled out by the treating physician/practitioner or his/her support staff;

  • Contains the sign, symptom, or relevant diagnosis that is the reason for the diagnostic test/procedure ("rule out", "possible", "probable", or "suspect" language are not acceptable);

  • For radiology orders, indicates whether or not the patient is allergic to contrast;

  • Is signed by a physician/practitioner treating the patient (a resident's signature is acceptable);

  • Is faxed or hand-delivered to the testing facility;

  • Sign, symptom, or diagnosis can be verified by documentation in the patient's chart.


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