What must a physician do to properly document a consult?

To properly document a consult, it is essential for a physician to write a consult note and submit orders. This process ensures that the purpose of the consult is clearly communicated, detailing the patient's condition and the specific questions that need addressing. Additionally, the consult note serves as a formal record of the interaction between the consulting physician and the referring physician, which is crucial for continuity of care and aids in the decision-making process.

Including orders in the documentation is equally important, as it specifies the necessary actions that should be taken following the consult. This not only helps in maintaining a clear outline of what has been agreed upon during the consultation but also ensures that all parties involved—healthcare providers and patients—are aligned on the next steps.

The other options do not fulfill the comprehensive requirements for documenting a consult effectively. Documenting outcomes of previous consults lacks the proactive detail needed for ongoing management; a summary report may not capture the immediate needs and specific inquiries relevant to the current consultation; and merely informing the patient of consult procedures does not contribute to the formal documentation process required for proper record-keeping and clinical communication.