Does pre-ordering tests enhance the value of the periodic examination? Study Design - Process implementation with retrospective chart review

<p>Abstract</p> <p>Background</p> <p>To evaluate the value of a pre-ordering process for the pro-active scheduling and completion of appropriate preventive and chronic disease monitoring tests prior to a periodic health examination (PHE).</p> <p>Methods</p> <p>A standardized template was developed and used by our nursing staff to identify and schedule appropriate tests prior to the patients PHE. Chart reviews were completed on all 602 PHE visits for a 3-month interval in a primary care setting. A patient satisfaction survey was administered to a convenience sample of the PHE patients.</p> <p>Results</p> <p>Of all the patients with tests pre-ordered, 87.8% completed the tests. All providers in the division used the process, but some evolved from one template to another over time. Most patients (61%) preferred to get their tests done prior to their PHE appointment. Many of our patients had abnormal test results. With this process, patients were able to benefit from face-to-face discussion of these results directly with their provider.</p> <p>Conclusions</p> <p>A pre-order process was successfully implemented to improve the value of the PHE visit in an internal medicine primary care practice using a standardized approach that allowed for provider autonomy. The process was accepted by patients and providers and resulted in improved office efficiency through reduced message handling. Completion of routine tests before the PHE office visit can help facilitate face-to-face discussions about abnormal results and subsequent management that otherwise may only occur by telephone.</p

The Ursinus Weekly, February 9, 1942

Dancers at Lorelei to slide and glide with Wally Spotts • Vespers speaker calls attention to spiritual conflict • College work-study plan to enable students to work in defense plants • Toyland Fantasy by Betty Urich will be script for May Pageant • Pre-med society hears outline of specialists\u27 work • Women to meet Swarthmore in debate Wednesday night • Attention, men! • Callahan, Curtis, and Heckman to lead panel discussion at IRC • Central Nominating Committee elects Joyce Tuers chairman • Activity schedules are curtailed due to accelerated program • Students present gift to Miss Moll as token of esteem and farewell • Heibel sets next Monday as deadline for Lantern articles • For prospective sisters! • Curtain Club to stage three one-act plays for Mothers\u27 Day program • Members of Y retreat to Arcola in order to formulate program • Scum to cream is Horatio tale of frosh through rushing week • Commentator: Today, the war; Tomorrow - ? • Blood for the Red Cross • Superficiality exemplified • Society notes • Wrestlers face Mules Thursday • Bear clan surprises by holding Lions to 49-46 but hapless Dutchmen outfit baffles Bears Saturday, 39-36 • Outstanding addition: Arno Kuhn • Dutchmen frosh blast cubs, 40-22, Saturday • Freshman quintet drops game to Albright, 40-27 • Intramurals stressed in World War I; Classes shortened also • Snell\u27s Jay-Vees win close game from Reading teamhttps://digitalcommons.ursinus.edu/weekly/3116/thumbnail.jp