Physician’s Orders for Diagnostic Laboratory Tests - JE Part B

Comprehensive Error Rate Testing (CERT) analysis has revealed an increase in errors for diagnostic laboratory services. The CERT errors are attributed to the absence of documentation supporting physician orders or physician intent to have diagnostic laboratory tests performed. Submission of appropriate documentation in a timely manner will decrease the number of errors and claims denied by the CERT contractor.

An "order" is a communication from the treating physician/practitioner requesting that a diagnostic test be performed for a beneficiary. The medical record and/or the request itself must clearly document the physician's intent for the diagnostic test to be performed.

Examples of Acceptable Documentation