Which order modes require a cosign request for the ordering provider?

The requirement for a cosign request typically applies to orders that are not directly entered into the electronic health record system by the ordering provider and lack the clear identity of the provider at the time of order placement.

Verbal orders, especially those requiring readback, necessitate confirmation of the order details between the provider and the person taking the order to ensure clarity and accuracy. This process involves one practitioner giving an order verbally, while the receiving party repeats it back for clarification and verification. As a result, the practice often mandates that these verbal orders are cosigned by the ordering provider to authenticate and validate the order subsequently.

Telephone orders, likewise, which involve the provider communicating the order over the phone and may also include readback for verification, share the same requirements. These modes of ordering can carry higher risks for miscommunication, making it essential for a responsible provider to confirm and cosign the orders for accountability and accuracy.

In contrast, other methods such as typed, electronic, faxed, or printed orders generally allow for direct input from the ordering provider, which minimizes the need for additional verification through cosigning due to the direct and clear method of documentation.

Thus, verbal orders with readback and telephone orders with readback necessitate a cosign