NWT and Atla. physicians streamline lab test protocols : My North Now

The Northwest Territories Health and Social Services Authority announced that changes have been made regarding protocols for lab test orders. When physicians in Alta order lab tests that need to be collected in the NWT there will no longer be the need to book a follow up appointment to have your lab requisition form confirmed or re-written.

Officials say the change is currently in effect and will mean that if a patient from the territory sees a physician in Alta. who orders a follow up laboratory test, that patient can book an appointment directly with the lab in their home community. The completed test results will go straight to the physician who ordered the test.

“The new change, which is in effect now, will mean when physicians in Alberta order lab tests that need to be collected in the Northwest Territories (NWT) – which often happens for NWT patients who have recurring appointments with an Alberta specialist – there will no longer be the need to book a follow up appointment to have your lab requisition form confirmed and/or re-written,” said the reps with the health authority in an announcement issued yesterday.

Health officials outlined what this will mean for patients in the N.W.T.

If a patient in the N.W.T. sees a physician in Alta. who orders follow up laboratory test, the patient won’t need to book another appointment with a physician in the NWT to confirm or re-write the laboratory requisition form. Instead, they can book an appointment directly with the lab in their home community to have lab tests completed.

The laboratory test results will go straight to the physician who ordered the test, which is usually the Alta. specialist, so the doctor can follow up in a timelier manner.
According to the announcement, this will help patients to have testing done and have access to results faster.

“This change is important because it will ensure Alberta physicians have better access to a patient’s full laboratory history, in one place, helping them track changes over time and provide better care. Patients and Alberta providers will also be encouraged to send a copy of the results to the NWT physician and/or community health clinic so that these results are also reported in the NWT electronic medical records,” said health officials.

The health authority said this will lead to fewer “unnecessary appointments” with physicians, will reduce paperwork and minimize delays in transferring information. Officials added that it will “decrease confusion” regarding where test results should be sent, particularly during patient transfers.

“This change makes the laboratory testing process easier for patients and healthcare providers in the NWT and Alberta and supports ongoing efforts by the NTHSSA to work with stakeholders, including partner agencies such as Alberta Health Services (AHS), to streamline processes and support workflows across the system,” said health officials.

Changes implemented to enhance physician lab ordering process | Health and Social Services Authority