Descriptions
The practice systematically manages lag and imaging tests by:
A. Tracking lab tests until results are available, flagging and following up on overdue results.
B. Tracking imaging tests until results are available, flagging and following up on overdue results.
C. Flagging abnormal lab results, bringing them to the attention of the clinician.
D. Flagging abnormal imaging results, bringing them to the attention of the clinician.
E. Notifying patients/families/caregivers of normal lab and imaging test results.
F. Notifying patients/families/caregivers of abnormal lab and imaging test results.
Ineffective management of laboratory and imaging test results can result in less than optimal care, excess costs and may compromise patient safety. Systematic monitoring helps ensure that needed tests are performed and that results are acted on, when necessary. This is demonstrated by showing how the process is met across patients for each part of the criterion (a report, log, examples or electronic tracking system.)
A, B. The practice tracks lab and imaging tests from the time they are ordered until results are available, and flags test results that have not been made available. The flag may be an icon that automatically appears in the electronic system or a manual tracking system with a timely surveillance process. The practice follows up with the lab or diagnostic center (and the patient, if necessary) to determine why results are overdue, and documents follow-up efforts until reports are received.
C, D. Abnormal results of lab or imaging tests are flagged and brought to the attention of the clinician, to ensure timely follow-up with the patient/family/caregiver.
E, F. The practice provides timely notification to patients about test results (normal and abnormal). Filing the results in the medical record for discussion during a scheduled office visit does not meet the requirement.
If frequent lab tests are ordered for a patient, the practice provides the patient/family/caregiver (as appropriate) with all initial results, clear expectations for follow-up results and a plan for handling abnormal findings.