What information must be included on a prescription written by a physician?

The requirement to include an ICD-10 code on a prescription written by a physician primarily relates to the documentation of the medical necessity for opioid prescriptions. This code provides a standardized way of communicating the diagnosis or condition for which the medication is being prescribed, which is particularly important in the context of prescribing controlled substances like opioids. The inclusion of this code can also help ensure compliance with regulations designed to combat prescription drug misuse and promote responsible prescribing practices.

In some jurisdictions, particularly regarding opioid prescriptions, there may be specific legal or regulatory requirements mandating the inclusion of a diagnosis code to support the rationale for issuing the medication. This aligns with efforts to enhance prescription monitoring and reduce the risk of abuse.

Other information, such as the prescriber’s phone number or professional title, while important for contact and identification purposes, is not typically mandated by law for prescriptions. Additionally, the days supply is relevant in certain controlled substance regulations but is not a universal requirement across all prescriptions. The emphasis on the ICD-10 code highlights the broader move towards accountability in prescribing and ensures that patients are receiving medications for appropriately diagnosed conditions.