Pre-Admission Orders Required

Dear Physician,

As a physician with admitting privileges at Barnes-Jewish Hospital, it is important that you are aware of a new process for pre-admission orders. Effective immediately, all physicians must fax written orders to the patient placement order. The reservation/admitting staff will receive no orders over the telephone after this date.

The only exception will be emergent admissions when you are not able to fax/write orders. These would include situations such as travel or if you are calling from home and have no access to a fax. Admissions staff will connect you to the registered nurses located in the patient placement center who will take and record the orders.

Ensuring orders are signed by a physician via fax brings Barnes-Jewish Hospital into full compliance with JCAHO standards. In addition, a review of pre-admission policies set by BJC hospitals and other St. Louis area hospitals indicates faxing and signing pre-admission orders is the standard practice.

Here you will find a copy of the pre-admission order form. It should be faxed to 314-362-1110.

Thank you for your assistance in this process change. We are sure you will agree that ensuring accurate orders is in interest of patient safety and best practice.

Sincerely,