What is the purpose of the "visiting physician's order"?

The purpose of a "visiting physician's order" is to communicate specific actions or instructions for the patient's care. These orders are essential in the healthcare setting as they outline what treatments, tests, medications, or interventions a physician wants to be carried out for a patient. This ensures that the entire healthcare team is aligned on the necessary steps for providing proper care, promoting coordinated and efficient treatment.

In contrast, providing general hospital rules does not directly relate to an individual patient's care. Requesting payment from an insurance company is a financial process not covered by a physician's order. Scheduling follow-up appointments is an administrative task related to patient management but does not encompass the detailed clinical instructions found in a physician's order. Thus, the focus of a visiting physician's order is specifically on the clinical instructions that drive patient care.