Failure to follow up on test results is one of the most frequent issues identified in lawsuits brought against physicians and health care organizations. Read this presentation for guidance on how to create effective follow-up strategies.

1. WHAT EVERY PHYSICIAN
NEEDS TO KNOW:
STRATEGIES TO
IMPROVE PATIENT
FOLLOW UP

2. MEDICAL
LIABILITY
ISSUES
Failure to follow up is a
leading cause of medical
malpractice claims.
A recent study by the Canadian
Medical Protective Association
found that failure to follow up on
test results was one of the most
frequent issues identified in claims. 1
2

3. ISSUES MANAGING
TEST RESULTS
The same study indicated that tracking test results becomes
more problematic when multiple facilities and providers are
involved. 1
TMLT risk managers list “tracking of test results” as one of
the top five recommendations for improvement, based on
data collected from practice reviews in 2017, 2018, and 2019.
3

4. COMMUNICATION
STANDARDS
Test tracking issues with outside facilities can be addressed by
establishing mutually agreed upon communication standards, including:
• when to communicate test results;
• how to communicate with the ordering provider using updated contact
information; and
• using procedures for communicating critical test results.
4

5. COMMUNICATION
STANDARDS
While the ordering physician is responsible for the timely
follow up of diagnostic tests, practices should use a system
for tracking test results to ensure results are communicated
in a timely manner.
5

6. 1. Foster a culture of safety. Make it the responsibility of all office
staff to report issues with follow-up, looking for weak procedures and
anticipating system failures. Create an environment where suggestions
for improvement are welcome. 1, 2
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE
FOLLOW UP
6

7. 2. Standardize and simplify processes and procedures. Ensure
compliance and knowledge of established procedures using checklists,
flow sheets, and tracking or monitoring systems. 1, 2
3. Consider new technologies with built-in systems such as reminders,
alerts, and documentation tools. Recognize that systems are only
effective when there is a commitment to using them. 1, 2
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE
FOLLOW UP
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8. 4. Consider prioritizing test results with urgent, critical, action needed,
or pending results. A coding system may heighten awareness and trigger
necessary follow-up. 1, 2
5. Engage patients in their own care to strengthen follow-up systems.
Discussing why a test has been ordered allows patients to recognize its
importance. 1, 2
STRATEGIES TO IMPROVE
FOLLOW UP
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9. SOURCES
1. How effective management of test results improves patient safety.
Safety of care. Canadian Medical Protective Association. June 2011.
Available at https://www.cmpa-acpm.ca/en/advice-publications/
browse-articles/2011/how-effective-management-of-test-results-
improves-patient-safety.
2. Dahm MR, Georgiou A, Westbrook JI, et. al. Delivering safe and
effective test-result communication, management and follow-up: a
mixed-methods study protocol. BMJ Open. British Medical Journal.
February 15, 2018. Available at https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/
articles/PMC5829886/.
9

10. PROTECTION FOR A
NEW ERA OF MEDICINE
ABOUT TMLT:
With more than 36,000 health care professionals in its care, Texas Medical
Liability Trust (TMLT) provides malpractice insurance and related products
to physicians. Our purpose is to make a positive impact on the quality of
health care for patients by educating, protecting, and defending physicians.
www.tmlt.org
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