title: Linking test ordering with order tracking: closing the loop in ambulatory care.
abstract: Test non-completion decreases quality of care and accounts for many diagnosis-related malpractice claims. Currently, clinicians using Partners' electronic Longitudinal Medical Record (LMR) can track results but lack a mechanism for tracking non-completed tests. This pilot intervention will study an "order tracking" functionality that flags newly-ordered tests and will lead to generation of written patient reminders if tests are not completed within pre-specified timeframes. If test completion rates improve, we will pursue development of a dedicated LMR application.
authors.affiliation: VA Boston Healthcare System.
authors.forename: Lydia C
authors.initials: LC
authors.lastname: Siegel
authors.forename: Dan
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Housman
authors.forename: Lisa
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Newmark
authors.forename: Jonathan
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Ungar
authors.forename: Jonathan Pasey
authors.initials: JP
authors.lastname: Ungar
authors.forename: Jonathan S
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Einbinder
authors.forename: Jonathan Seth
authors.initials: JS
authors.lastname: Einbinder
authors.forename: Tejal K
authors.initials: TK
authors.lastname: Gandhi
mesh_terms: D000553:Ambulatory Care / Q000379:methods*; D002984:Clinical Laboratory Information Systems; D005568:Forms and Records Control; D008404:Massachusetts; D050316:Medical Order Entry Systems; D008498:Medical Record Linkage; D016347:Medical Records Systems, Computerized; D046650:Medical Subject Headings