Six features to look for in an EHR lab integration module

In a medical practice, laboratory values, interventions and outcomes are critical to patient health and patient outcomes. Therefore, it is important for the medical practice to look for the following key features in an EHR lab integration module:

1. Interoperability between laboratory and medical practice

Depending on your practice, you may be using a laboratory within the same setting or referring out to an offsite laboratory. It is important that your lab integration module supports interoperability with other systems, and that the overseeing physician can send a lab order electronically. 

Get more information on essential EHR functionalities using this comprehensive guide to key EHR features

Additionally, once the lab work has been completed, the results should be transmitted directly from the laboratory information system (LIS) into the EHR and easily uploaded and accessed in the same portal. Bidirectional lab integration reduces duplicate data entry, cuts down on faxing and phone calls, and lowers the risk of transcription errors when tests are ordered or results are filed in the chart.

2. Patient portal access to results

Patients expect a relatively quick turnaround in their lab test results. If they are continuously calling the office, this can place a burden on the nursing staff, who have to answer phone calls and explain all results. Therefore, it is helpful to have a way for patients to access their laboratory results.

The lab integration module should automatically upload results for the clinician to evaluate, as well as into a patient portal. This means patients can see values, trends and clinician comments without waiting for a phone call, giving the patient autonomy in their healthcare as well as providing access to results more quickly.

3. Automated reporting and analysis of results

The lab integration module should display all results with a key explaining expected norms for each piece of data that was tested. This way, both clinicians and patients will quickly be able to understand the results. Additionally, if any results are found to be outside normal parameters, the module should display a notification for the provider.

4. Automated screening and follow-up scheduling

For lab values that are found to be outside normal parameters, the module should suggest needed follow-up with the physician or specialist. This will help to ensure that lab results are being evaluated and addressed.

This should also help lead to better medical compliance and improved outcomes; abnormal results can automatically trigger reminders, recall lists or task queues, helping practices close care gaps for chronic conditions, preventive screenings and high-risk findings (more on this in section 6).

5. Patient education

In the patient portal of laboratory access, there should be educational information about each lab value that was analyzed. For example, if the laboratory tested blood glucose levels, there should be an option to read more about the impact of blood glucose on the body and the importance of this lab value.

6. Medication management and interaction

In the lab integration module, the list of medications should be cross-referenced to analyze for possible interaction or impact on laboratory values. This serves as one more piece of best practice, ensuring that medications are up to date and appropriate.

A notification would alert the overseeing physician of any potential interactions or identify if there are medications currently prescribed to address laboratory values that are outside normal parameters (example: patient had blood glucose tested and medication list includes insulin).