Patient Notification

What Works: Effective Practices for Office-based CareTracking of Test Results
Patient Notification of Abnormal Test Results

Recommendation: Evidence in the medical record that a concerted effort has been made to contact the patient with the test results and follow-up plan.

Source: CRICO/RMF Office Practice Handbook


 Exemplary Practice

BIDMC Patient Site electronic system for patients to access their medical records including lab and X-ray results. Educational links explain what the various tests are and how to interpret them.

Benefits:
  • Facilitates the notification process.
  • Supports provider patient communication.
  • Provides patient education.
In practice at: APG–Washington Street (BIDMC), APG-Chelsea (BIDMC), Office of Dr. Triffletti, APG-Chelsea (BIDMC), APG-Needham (BIDMC), APG-Chestnut Hill Internal Medicine (BIDMC), Healthcare Associates (BIDMC), APG-MCC Lexington (BIDMC), APG-Needham (BIDMC), APG-Sharon Internal Medicine (BIDMC), APG-One Brookline Place Group (BIDMC), APG-Washington Square Group (BIDMC)


 Effective Practice
Patients with abnormal results who are unable to be reached by phone are sent cards (via certified letter) requesting that they contact the office to discuss results
Benefits:
  • Back-up notification system
  • Written evidence of an attempt to notify the patient of test results
In practice at: About Women by Women (NWH), Bowdoin Health Center (BIDMC)


 Effective Practice
Provider phones patients who have abnormal test results and documents phone call in the medical record
Benefit: Gives the patient the opportunity to immediately ask questions regarding the test results
In practice at: Office Dr. Alain Chaoui (NSMC)


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