[{"innerBlocks":[],"name":"core\/freeform","postId":2616,"blockType":{"name":"core\/freeform","keywords":[],"attributes":{"content":{"type":"string","source":"raw"},"lock":{"type":"object"}},"providesContext":[],"usesContext":[],"selectors":[],"supports":{"className":false,"customClassName":false,"reusable":false},"styles":[],"variations":[],"apiVersion":3,"title":"Classic","description":"Use the classic WordPress editor.","category":"text"},"originalContent":"In a recent memo, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has outlined a position that the texting of medical orders by physicians is not permissible.

The position was outlined in a late December memo to state survey agency directors from the head of CMS\u2019 Center for Clinical Standards and Quality\/Survey and Certification Group.

The guidance from CMS states that the texting of patient orders \u201cis prohibited regardless of the platform utilized,\u201d and the computerized provider order entry (CPOE) \u201cis the preferred method of order entry by a provider.\u201d

However, the document does allow the texting of patient information among members of a healthcare team, saying it\u2019s permissible if it\u2019s done on a secure platform.

Also See:<\/b> Text messages help new patients get personalized info<\/a>

The memo\u2019s rationale suggests that CPOE is preferred because using electronic systems to document orders is important in maintaining a record of all procedures ordered for a patient.

\u201cThe practice of texting orders from a provider to a member of the care team is not in compliance with the Conditions of Participation or Conditions for Coverage,\u201d the memo states.

In terms of compliance, texted orders do not meet the requirement that a hospital must maintain a medical record for each inpatient and outpatient. \u201cMedical records must be accurately written, promptly completed, properly filed and retained, and accessible,\u201d CMS notes. \u201cThe hospital must use a system of author identification and record maintenance that ensures the integrity of the authentication and protects the security of all record entries.\u201d

CPOE is preferred because its use enables medical order information to be included in patients\u2019 electronic medical records and thus be \u201cdated, timed, authenticated and promptly placed in the medical record.\u201d

In permitting texting to communicate information among medical team members, the memo notes that the practice \u201chas become an essential and valuable means of communication among team members.\u201d For such texting to be compliant with regulations, providers must use platforms that are secure, encrypted and that otherwise minimize risks to patient privacy and confidentiality, to meet HIPAA regulations and Medicare participation conditions.
","saveContent":"In a recent memo, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services has outlined a position that the texting of medical orders by physicians is not permissible.

The position was outlined in a late December memo to state survey agency directors from the head of CMS\u2019 Center for Clinical Standards and Quality\/Survey and Certification Group.

The guidance from CMS states that the texting of patient orders \u201cis prohibited regardless of the platform utilized,\u201d and the computerized provider order entry (CPOE) \u201cis the preferred method of order entry by a provider.\u201d

However, the document does allow the texting of patient information among members of a healthcare team, saying it\u2019s permissible if it\u2019s done on a secure platform.

Also See:<\/b> Text messages help new patients get personalized info<\/a>

The memo\u2019s rationale suggests that CPOE is preferred because using electronic systems to document orders is important in maintaining a record of all procedures ordered for a patient.

\u201cThe practice of texting orders from a provider to a member of the care team is not in compliance with the Conditions of Participation or Conditions for Coverage,\u201d the memo states.

In terms of compliance, texted orders do not meet the requirement that a hospital must maintain a medical record for each inpatient and outpatient. \u201cMedical records must be accurately written, promptly completed, properly filed and retained, and accessible,\u201d CMS notes. \u201cThe hospital must use a system of author identification and record maintenance that ensures the integrity of the authentication and protects the security of all record entries.\u201d

CPOE is preferred because its use enables medical order information to be included in patients\u2019 electronic medical records and thus be \u201cdated, timed, authenticated and promptly placed in the medical record.\u201d

In permitting texting to communicate information among medical team members, the memo notes that the practice \u201chas become an essential and valuable means of communication among team members.\u201d For such texting to be compliant with regulations, providers must use platforms that are secure, encrypted and that otherwise minimize risks to patient privacy and confidentiality, to meet HIPAA regulations and Medicare participation conditions.
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CMS bans use of texting by doctors to place medical orders

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