What information should be included on a lab's requisition form for tests ordered?

The inclusion of diagnosis codes on a lab's requisition form is essential for several reasons. Firstly, diagnosis codes help ensure that the laboratory understands the medical necessity behind the tests being ordered. This is critical for compliance with insurance payer requirements, as tests must be medically necessary to be covered.

Moreover, diagnosis codes facilitate accurate billing and coding processes, allowing for better identification of procedures performed and their associated costs. This is especially important in the healthcare environment, where reimbursement often hinges on the provision of appropriate and accurate coding.

Including diagnosis codes also assists in clinical decision-making. It provides context for the laboratory professionals, allowing them to understand the clinical picture and possibly impact the way specimens are processed or tests are prioritized.

While a patient's personal details, healthcare provider credentials, and estimated costs of tests are also important pieces of information, they do not serve the same critical function in justifying the medical necessity and facilitating proper coding and billing processes as diagnosis codes do.