The Point of Care (POC) Lab Test command enables healthcare providers to order, document, and charge for laboratory tests that are completed within the office at the time of the patient visit. This command streamlines the workflow by allowing immediate documentation of test results directly into the patient's chart while ensuring proper billing and clinical record-keeping.
This process begins with an open note of the patient chart. The POC Lab Test command provides a streamlined way to document completed in-office laboratory testing with immediate result entry and proper billing documentation.
To initiate and complete a POC Lab Test command:
Add the Point of Care (POC) command to a new or existing note.
Select the lab test in the command heading
Complete command fields
Indications: Medical reason for the test being performed
Depending on the lab test selected, additional field(s) may appear to input the results from the lab test.
Comments: Enter any free text comments related to the results
Field has a 512 character limit
Click RECORD to commit the command
The results of the POC test are accessible under the lab results in the patient panel
The ordered date and the reported date for the POC lab test will match the date of service on the note.
If the date of service for the note is changed after the command is committed, the reported date will be updated to match the new date of service, while the ordered date will continue to display the original command commitment date.
Refer to our Custom Lab Reports Template article for comprehensive instructions on creating lab reports to display within the command.
Q: What happens if I don't see the results fields after entering an indication?
A: Results fields appear automatically based on the indication selected. If fields don't appear, verify that you've selected a valid indication that corresponds to the lab test ordered.
Q: What should I do if I exceed the 512 character limit in the Comments field?
A: Keep comments concise and focus on essential clinical information. If additional documentation is needed, consider adding a separate note entry or using other documentation methods within the patient chart.
Q: What steps should I take if the Point of Care (POC) test I need is unavailable in the command?
A: Follow these steps to resolve the issue:
Navigate to Settings > Data Integration: Lab Report Templates and check if the lab test is listed. If it is, ensure the test is marked as Point of Care Test so it becomes available for selection in the command.
If the lab test is not listed, create a new lab report template to include the required lab test. Reference our Creating a Custom Lab Report Template article for guidance on this process.
Keywords: POC lab test, point of care, laboratory, in-office testing, command documentation, lab results, billing
Categories: Commands, Laboratory, Documentation, Point of Care Testing