Can Non-Physicians Order Surgical Dressings? In many cases, the answer is “Yes!”
When surgical dressings are dispensed to a patient, a Standard Written Order (SWO) must be completed by the ordering practitioner. This SWO may be completed by physicians and, in some cases, non-physicians.
Physicians
Surgical dressings may be ordered by the following physician types practicing within their scope of practice when that scope of practice includes ordering surgical dressings:
- Doctor of medicine
- Doctor of osteopathy
- Doctor of dental surgery or dental medicine
- Doctor of podiatric medicine
- Doctor of optometry
Nurse Practitioners and Clinical Nurse Specialists
Nurse practitioners and or clinical nurse specialists may provide the SWO if all of the following criteria are met:
- They are treating the beneficiary for the condition for which the item is needed
- They are practicing independently of a physician
- They bill Medicare for other covered services using their own provider number
- They are permitted to do all of the above in the State in which the services are rendered.
Physician Assistants
Physician assistants may provide the SWO if all of the following criteria are met:
- They meet the definition of physician assistant as found in Section 1861(aa)(5)(A) of the Social Security Act
- They are treating the beneficiary for the condition for which the item is needed
- They are practicing under the supervision of a MD or DO
- They have their own NPI
- They are permitted to perform services in accordance with State law.
Conclusion
Surgical dressings may be ordered by physicians and, in many cases, by nurse practitioners, clinical nurse specialists, and physician assistants.
Reference:
DMEMAC Article “Who Can Order?
https://med.noridianmedicare.com/web/jadme/topics/documentation/orders
Dr. Jeffrey D. Lehrman, DPM, FASPS, MAPWCA, CPC, CPMA
Dr. Lehrman is a podiatrist practicing in Fort Collins, CO and operates Lehrman Consulting, LLC which provides consultation services regarding coding, compliance and documentation. Dr. Lehrman is a Certified Professional Coder and Certified Professional Medical Auditor. He serves as a staff liaison at the AMA CPT® Editorial Panel meetings where CPT codes are created, edited, and deleted. He is a Diplomate of the American Board of Foot and Ankle Surgery, Fellow of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons, and is recognized as a “Master” by the American Professional Wound Care Association. Dr Lehrman is a Fellow of the American Academy of Podiatric Practice Management, Past Director of the American Professional Wound Care Association Board of Directors, and is a Past Chairman of the Board of the American Society of Podiatric Surgeons. Dr. Lehrman is also on the editorial advisory board of the journal WOUNDS.
