FAQ: Preparing Lab Orders Before a Scheduled Visit
Last updated: August 28, 2026
You can prepare lab orders before a scheduled visit so they are ready for the provider to review and sign during the encounter.
User's Guide
Can I prepare a Lab Order before the patient is checked in?
Yes. Once an appointment is booked, Canvas creates an appointment note. You can open that appointment note before check-in and add commands, including Lab Order.
Do I need to check in the patient before adding a Lab Order?
No. Check-in is not required to add commands to a booked appointment note.
When is a Lab Order sent to the lab?
A Lab Order is sent when the command is committed.
If you add a Lab Order command and leave it uncommitted, the order is staged but not sent. When the provider signs the command at the visit, the order is sent.
What is the recommended workflow for preparing a Lab Order?
Open the booked appointment note from the schedule or patient chart.
Add the Lab Order command.
Complete the required fields.
Leave the command uncommitted.
At the visit, review and sign the command when ready.
This creates a single order and sends it only when signed.
What happens to the Lab Order when the patient is checked in?
Commands already staged on the appointment note remain on the note when the appointment is checked in. You do not need to recreate them.
How do I avoid duplicate lab orders?
Only sign the prepared Lab Order when you intend to send it to the lab. If you need to make changes before the visit, edit the uncommitted command rather than creating and signing a separate order for the same tests.
Related Resources
Keywords: lab order, precharting, prep orders, scheduled visit, appointment note, uncommitted commands, commit, sign and send
Categories: Clinical Documentation, Commands, Labs, Appointments