Patient Focused Oncology Quality Program
Policy and Procedure Manual
Title: Tracking Normal/Abnormal Labs
Author: Marissa RiveraDate:
Updates/Initials:
Policy: Lab tests are essential in diagnosing certain cancer types, screening cancer patients for the most appropriate and effective therapy, monitoring effectiveness of and side effects from cancer therapy. Reviewing lab resultsin a timely manner, taking the necessary action and communicating pertinent details to the patient and family are crucial in the overall quality of care for and satisfaction of the cancer patient.
Procedure:
1) Provider Review – On a daily basis, the provider reviewsand signs off lab results coming through the interface, fax, or mail. It is most ideal when the provider only has to look in one place, such as the EMR,for review and approval of the lab results. When a critical result comes through, the lab tech contacts the provider immediately. This facilitates the provider addressing the results in a timely manner.
It is considered past due when non-critical lab results have not been reviewed and approved by the provider for 48 hours and critical lab results not addressed within the same day.
When the lab has not submitted results within 48 hours from blood draw, it is also considered past due and warrant follow-up.
2) Patient Notification–Typically, communication of normal lab results to the patient can wait until the next scheduled office visit unless there was a separate special arrangement between the provider and patient. If the patient would like to know before the next scheduled office visit, a portal where the patient can access the result would be ideal. For those patients who do not have ready access to the internet, the lab result could be mailed to them if requested and the next office visit does not occur for at least another month.
Abnormal lab results may or may not need immediate action depending on the clinical scenario. An abnormal lab result may be expected, such a low platelets as an example. If this problem is already being addressed and trending to the right direction, there is no need for a special phone call to the patient. The lab result can be approved and released for access .to the patient portal then reviewed on the next visit with the provider. If the abnormal lab result warrants attention, patient will be notified within the same day with the proper course of action which may include a re-draw or a delay of further treatment.
Critical lab results always require immediate attention. Patient is notified immediately with the next course of action which could be a visit to the office, urgent care or emergency room.
3)Measurable Compliance–Compliance could be measured by reviewing the age of lab results pending for approval, physician orders, progress notes and the appointment schedule in the EMR.
Responsible Parties: Phlebotomist, Laboratory Technologist, Physician, Non-Physician Provider, Nursing, Front Office, medical Assistant, Medical Records
PhysicianDatePhysicianDate
PhysicianDateOffice ManagerDate