Patient ID
Full legal name, date of birth, and medical record or external identifier so the imaging center can match studies to the correct chart and avoid record duplication.
A well-prepared CT order speeds scheduling, supports insurance preauthorization, documents medical necessity, and reduces the risk of repeat imaging. Clear clinical indications and contrast instructions improve diagnostic yield and patient safety while limiting administrative denials and delays.
Typical participants include ordering clinicians, radiology schedulers, and billing teams involved in authorization and processing.
Each role has distinct responsibilities: clinicians supply clinical rationale; schedulers confirm logistics; administrative staff handle payor requirements and recordkeeping.
Full legal name, date of birth, and medical record or external identifier so the imaging center can match studies to the correct chart and avoid record duplication.
Concise clinical question and relevant symptoms or findings that justify the CT exam and support medical necessity for payor review and radiologist interpretation.
Specific CT protocol and body region (for example: CT chest with contrast, CT abdomen/pelvis non-contrast) using CPT or local exam codes to ensure correct acquisition.
Specify IV/oral contrast use, amount, and timing plus known allergies and recent renal function (eGFR) to guide safety and preparation steps.
List dates and facilities for prior imaging and attach reports or DICOM if available to avoid redundant scanning and inform radiologist comparison.
Ordering provider name, NPI, signature or e-signature, and date to establish legal attribution, billing authority, and onset of the order's validity.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Exam type | Dropdown with standardized CPT list |
| Contrast checkbox | Triggers renal function and allergy prompt |
| Attachments | Enable DICOM/PDF upload for prior studies |
| Authentication | Provider SSO or verified e-sign |
Electronic orders should integrate with EHRs, support secure uploads, and preserve an audit trail for authorization and billing.
Typically scheduled within 24–48 hours for acute indications
Often completed within 3–14 days depending on capacity
Insurer review may take 1–14 days depending on benefit rules
Fasting and lab checks often requested 4–8 hours prior
Preliminary reads within 24 hours; final reports 24–72 hours
Provider completes and signs the clinical order.
Insurance and medical necessity are verified.
Appointment confirmed and patient prep communicated.
Scan performed and radiology report returned.
The clinic moved orders online to centralize imaging requests and attachments.
A large organization integrated orders into its ERP for consolidated recordkeeping.
Export the signed order as PDF for universal access, DOCX for editing, or structured XML/HL7 for automated EHR ingestion; preserve metadata whenever possible.
Provide all parties with a copy of the signed order and date-stamped audit certificate to meet documentation and billing requirements.
Export signer attribution, timestamps, IP addresses, and any authentication steps to support audits and payor questions.
Store final documents in the EHR and a secure archive with defined retention policies that meet HIPAA and institutional requirements.
| Document Type | Purpose | Key difference |
|---|---|---|
| CT order | imaging authorization | specific protocol and clinical indication |
| Contrast prescription | medication instruction | dosing and consent for contrast agents |
| Referral form | specialist request | usually broader clinical referral context |
| Consent form | patient permission | focuses on risks, benefits, alternatives |
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |