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Results

This section describes how to access, view, and manage laboratory and other diagnostic results within 4Geeks Health. Timely and accurate results reporting is essential for informed clinical decision-making.

Overview

The Results Reporting module provides a centralized location for viewing results from various diagnostic tests, including:

  • Laboratory Tests: Results from blood tests, urine tests, microbiology cultures, pathology reports, etc.
  • Imaging Studies: Reports from X-rays, CT scans, MRIs, ultrasounds, etc.
  • Cardiology Tests: Reports from EKGs, echocardiograms, stress tests, etc.
  • Other Diagnostic Tests: Results from any other diagnostic procedures performed.

Accessing Results

You can typically access results in the following ways:

  1. From a Patient Record:

    • Navigate to the patient’s medical record.
    • Look for a section or tab labeled “Results,” “Lab Results,” “Imaging Reports,” “Diagnostic Tests,” or similar.

  2. From an Outpatient Visit or Inpatient Encounter:

    • Open the specific visit or encounter record.
    • There may be a section or tab for viewing results related to that encounter.

  3. From a Lab Order or Procedure Order:

    • Open the specific order record.
    • Once results are available, there should be a link or section to view them.

  4. From the Navigation Menu (Results Inbox):

    • Some systems may have a dedicated “Results Inbox,” “Results Review,” or similar option in the main navigation menu. This inbox typically shows all new and unreviewed results for providers who are responsible for reviewing them. This is crucial for timely review.

Viewing Results

1. Results List

  • When you access the Results section, you will typically see a list of results, often organized by date, test type, or ordering provider.
  • The list may include:
    • Patient Name
    • Patient ID (MRN)
    • Test Name
    • Date and Time of Test
    • Ordering Provider
    • Status (e.g., Preliminary, Final, Amended)
    • Abnormal Flag (e.g., a visual indicator if a result is outside the normal range)

2. Result Details

  • Click on a specific result in the list to view its details.
  • The details view will typically show:
    • Patient Demographics: Patient name, ID, date of birth, etc.
    • Order Information: Ordering provider, date and time of order, etc.
    • Specimen Information: Sample type, collection date and time, etc. (for lab tests).
    • Test Results: The actual results of the test. This may be presented in different formats depending on the type of test:
      • Numeric Values: For quantitative tests (e.g., blood glucose, cholesterol). The result will be displayed with the units of measurement and the reference range (normal range).
      • Text Reports: For qualitative tests (e.g., microbiology cultures, pathology reports) or imaging studies.
      • Tables: For tests with multiple components (e.g., complete blood count).
      • Images: For imaging studies, you may be able to view the actual images (e.g., X-rays, CT scans) if the system is integrated with a PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System).
    • Interpretation/Comments: The interpreting physician’s comments or interpretation of the results.
    • Status: The status of the result (e.g., Preliminary, Final, Amended, Corrected).
    • Audit Trail: A record of who viewed, modified, or acknowledged the result.

3. Graphical Representation

  • Results can be displayed on a graphic.

Managing Results

  • Review and Acknowledge: Providers are typically required to review and acknowledge results, especially abnormal results. This indicates that they have seen the result and taken appropriate action. The system may have a mechanism for electronic acknowledgment (e.g., a checkbox, a button).
  • Add Comments: Providers may be able to add comments to results (e.g., to provide further interpretation or instructions).
  • Print: You can usually print results.
  • Share (Securely): 4Geeks Health may have features for securely sharing results with other healthcare providers (e.g., referring physicians) or with the patient (through the Patient Portal). This sharing must comply with privacy regulations.
  • Order Follow-up Tests: Based on the results, you may need to order follow-up tests.
  • Alerts and Notifications: The system might send alerts to the ordering provider for: * New Results. * Abnormal results * Critical values (results that require immediate attention).

Result Statuses

  • Preliminary: The result is preliminary and may be subject to change.
  • Final: The result is final and has been verified.
  • Amended: The result has been changed after being finalized. An addendum should explain the reason for the change.
  • Corrected: The result has been corrected due to an error. The original result and the corrected result should both be visible, along with an explanation of the correction.

Integration with LIS and Other Systems

  • LIS (Laboratory Information System): Ideally, 4Geeks Health should be integrated with the LIS to automatically receive lab results.
  • PACS (Picture Archiving and Communication System): Integration with PACS allows you to view imaging studies directly within 4Geeks Health.
  • Other Systems: Integration with other systems (e.g., cardiology systems) may be possible to import results from those systems.

Important Considerations

  • Timeliness: Ensure that results are reported and reviewed in a timely manner.
  • Accuracy: Verify the accuracy of results before taking clinical action.
  • Confidentiality: Maintain strict patient confidentiality.
  • Abnormal Results: Establish clear protocols for handling abnormal results, including notification of the ordering provider and appropriate follow-up.
  • Critical Values: Develop a system for promptly notifying providers of critical values.
  • User Permissions: Set the user permissions according the roles.
  • Training: Provide proper training for staff.
  • Compliance: Ensure the procedures are according to the regulations.

This documentation provides a comprehensive overview of results reporting in 4Geeks Health. Remember to adapt any specific field names, status options, or steps to match your organization’s customized configuration and workflows. It’s also essential to have clear policies and procedures in place for results review, acknowledgment, and follow-up.