Diagnostic tests are completed and reviewed by a physician in a timely manner. All abnormal and stat diagnostic tests are evaluated by a physician to determine the need for follow up.
Use the following steps:
1. The physician logs all laboratory specimens sent to outside laboratories with notation of the patient’s name, the type of test, the ordering physician, lab name and location, and date sent (MM/DD/YYYY). The staff member responsible for logging out specimens add his/her initials.
2. The lab reports Panic Level results (potentially life threatening) to the physician immediately, and the physician takes immediate appropriate patient intervention action.
3. The physician logs written results upon receipt with the date of receipt and his/her initials before being placed in the patient’s chart. All test results are required to reach the ordering physician for review within two (2) weeks after the completion of the test.
4. The physician notifies patients of routine test results or changes in their treatment plan by telephone, written notice, or in person at their next office visit. The physician documents notification/intervention in the patient’s chart.
5. A designated staff member monitors the log. In the event the results are not returned within the expected time frame, he/she is responsible for following-up with the lab, either by telephone or fax. Follow-up calls are noted with the date and staff initials.
6. The physician logs lab tests that require a referral for specimen collection outside of the office if the patient requires medication adjustments.
7. The physician only logs orders for routine testing associated with annual health physicals or preventive care visits if the patient must initiate test or test follow-up.
8. A qualified clinical staff member or the physician initials normal test results to indicate he/she reviewed the results. Patients are not normally notified of normal test results, unless they call to request results. Patients are informed of this procedure at specimen collection.
9. Abnormal test results are referred to the physician for review. The physician initials the results indicating his/her review and notes action taken in the medical record in the form of notes or on lab report itself. All patients are notified of abnormal test results and given follow-up instructions.
10. Results for repeated tests, if indicated, follow the above procedures.