Diagnostic Information required for all Laboratory and Radiology ServicesThe Balanced Budget Act (BBA) of 1997 requires all physicians and other practitioners who order diagnostic laboratory and radiology services to provide a diagnosis. If the definitive diagnosis is not known at the time of the request, other medical information such as the patient's presenting signs or symptoms may be substituted. "Rule-out" or "probable' diagnoses are not acceptable. This requirement, which became effective January 1, 1998, applies to orders for all clinical diagnostic procedures, durable medical equipment, braces, and prosthetic devices.
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