Laboratory Reports
Laboratory reports contain the results of tests conducted on body fluids, cells, and tissues. For example, a medical lab might perform a throat culture, urinalysis, cholesterol level, or complete blood count. There are hundreds of specific lab tests that can be run by health care organizations or specialized labs. Lab personnel are responsible for documenting the lab results into the patient record. Results of the lab work become part of the permanent patient record. However, lab results must also be available during treatment. Health care providers rely on accurate lab results in making clinical decisions, so there is a need for timely reporting of lab results and a system for ensuring that physicians and other appropriate care providers receive the results. Physicians or other primary care providers are responsible for documenting any findings and treatment plans based on the lab results.
• Consent and authorization forms. Copies of consents to admission, treatment, surgery, and release of information are an important component of the patient record related to its use as a legal document. The practitioner who actually provides the treatment must obtain informed consent for the treatment. Patients must sign informed consent documents before treatment takes place. Forms authorizing release of information must also be signed by patients before any patient-specific health care information is released to parties not directly involved in the care of the patient.
