Respiratory Point-of-Care (POC) Order Protocol Reminder
- MFM News
- Jun 24
- 2 min read
Hi Team,
Hope you're surviving the heat wave! Summer is finally here!
We’re sending this reminder to ensure everyone is aligned on the correct workflow and order types for respiratory Point-of-Care (POC) testing. We’ve recently seen an uptick in incorrect orders and missing documentation, which has led to missed billing opportunities and we want to make sure your hard work and patient care measures are captured appropriately.
Please note: This message is directed to all Primary Care providers and clinical support staff responsible for ordering and/or resulting respiratory POC testing. Please forward to any newer team members who may not yet have been added to the clinical team email groups.
To support accurate documentation and billing, please review the following key points:
POC Key Reminders:
Use the Correct Order Type
Always use the designated Athena order sets listed in the attachment tables.
Order set diagnoses may be manually added or updated based on the patient’s symptoms.
Each POC test name is associated with a specific billing code, so using the wrong test can result in incorrect billing or missed charges.
Sign Orders Before Resulting (Conifer and Middleton sites only)
Orders must be signed before the result is entered in Athena. If the result is entered first, it won’t link with the order, and someone will need to manually result the test.
This only applies to automated result workflows at Conifer and Middleton sites.
In-Office Testing Documentation
If the POC test is performed in the office, the test and result must be documented in the Assessment and Plan section of the encounter. This is required for billing purposes.
Drive Thru POC Testing + Same-Day Visit
If a patient has a same-day office or telehealth visit before or after a Drive Thru POC test, you must also document the test and result in the Assessment and Plan of that visit note to ensure proper billing.
Result Must Be in Athena
A test must have a formal result entered in Athena to be billed. Simply noting “positive” or “negative” in the A&P is not enough for billing.
Location-Specific Orders
Each MFM location (MFM, AMG Beverly, Endicott, and Gordon) has a slightly different set of POC tests available.
We’ve created custom order sets for each site to help you select the correct tests.
Order set diagnoses may be manually added or updated based on the patient’s symptoms.
Attached is a reference guide outlining:
Which POC tests are offered at each location
Correct POC order names by location
Matching CPT billing codes
The name of the Athena order set(s) for each site, including diagnoses and order names.
This attachment can also be found in the MFM All Employee Drive under "Policies and Procedures" by following this link:
Please feel free to reach out to your leads with any questions.
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