Page 20 - 2022 Risk Basics - Systems

SVMIC Risk Basics: Systems

Electronic Tracking System

If you are using an electronic system to track tests that you have ordered

or referrals that you have scheduled, you need to ensure that the system
can identify which test results have not yet been received in your office,

without having to look at each individual medical record. The best system
for electronically tracking labs and diagnostics is a system that will alert

the ordering provider or office staff that a test result is outstanding or a
consultation report has not been received. The alert may appear in the

form of a flag on the EHR home screen or a message in his/her task
box or email. The provider can then follow up appropriately which may

include asking a staff member to contact the patient.

Electronic health records should be equipped with an electronic order

tracking system that assists the practice with tracking labs, diagnostic
tests, and other orders. The EHR may also have an alert or reminder

component to assist in tracking other tasks such as referrals, screenings,
and appointments.

Some EHRs interface with labs, imaging centers, hospitals, and other

vendors. In the absence of an interface which allows for real-time access,
ensure manual alerts or reminders are set to remind the physician of

outstanding orders or tasks to close the loop.

In order to accomplish this, there are different methods which can be

employed. One method is to use a system which allows the provider
and staff to view all of the tests ordered within a specific timeframe on

a single screen. In those systems, the tests for which no results have
been received appear in a different color font or are highlighted for easy

identification.

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