Ordering Physician

Hello all,



I have an interesting question. The Microbiology Supervisor of the Lab I work at brought an issue to my attention regarding a Client of ours. The physician who owns the practice ordering the testing is currently on leave and a different physician is seeing patients for this doctor. The office staff is sending orders in with the physician on leave as the ordering doctor. I am wanting to make sure I am not overstepping by telling the office that they should not do this, but I don’t want the lab to accept orders with an ordering physician listed that we know is on leave.



Thanks in advance,

Cassie Lawless

it depends

there are rules that allow a temporary doctor to bill for services under the original doctor name- that is a locum arrangement. You might find details if you search here for locum- I think there is a limit to time period.