Following-up on Diagnostic Tests

Was the Test Actually Done?

There are many cases where a clinician ordered a test, but the patient never got it done. Later the patient sues the clinician for a missed diagnosis. And, there are cases where the patient did get the test, but the lab didn't send the results to the clinician. Once a clinician orders a test, he or she needs to ascertain that it was done within a reasonable period of time. Clinicians are advised to keep lists of the tests they order, and cross items off the list when results come back.

Dermatology Nursing © 2010 Jannetti Publications, Inc.

Cite this: Following-up on Diagnostic Tests - Medscape - Mar 01, 2010.