CMS proposes to eliminate lab requisition physician signature requirement

CMS has proposed to rescind the requirement for signatures on all lab requisitions, according to the "Medicare Program; Clinical Laboratory Fee Schedule: Signature on Requisition" proposed rule published in the Federal Register June 30. The 2011 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, published last November, requires a physician's or ­nonphysician practitioner's (NPP) signature on lab requisitions for tests paid under the clinical lab fee schedule, ­regardless of whether there is a signed order. This is the opposite of prior CMS rulings that indicated signatures were not required on requisitions, although written and signed orders were required.

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