c6-COORDINATING COMMUNICATION WITH NON.docx

COORDINATING COMMUNICATION WITH NON-LABORATORY PERSONNEL ======================================================== As a phlebotomist, you will interact with many medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists, and radiologic technologists. It is i...

COORDINATING COMMUNICATION WITH NON-LABORATORY PERSONNEL ======================================================== As a phlebotomist, you will interact with many medical professionals, including physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians, respiratory therapists, and radiologic technologists. It is important to coordinate communication with non-laboratory personnel about processing and collection, and to monitor and adjust communication according to best practices and patients\' needs. Computer programs now manage workflows and communication specific to each provider of services. In addition, effective communication involves using standard terminology and abbreviations, and accurate documentation. Documentation includes recording contact notes on laboratory reports or laboratory logs. All computer interactions provide documentation that managers can monitor and review for HIPAA compliance and the quality of patient care. Computers and networks play key roles in the scheduling, managing, and processing of patients, specimens, and clinical workflow. You must become familiar with the software, communication methods, and processes within your organization. Software that supports the ordering, processing, and routing of specimens helps streamline workflows that once were paper-intensive. Software that links test results to provider alerts depending on preset values contributes to an effective and efficient communication process. Each organization establishes policies and procedures for communication about specimen processing and collection. The use of laboratory information systems requires knowledge of software and hardware components to communicate effectively with non-laboratory personnel. You will use these and other essential instruments for the following tasks: - Transmitting test requisitions electronically or in print format - Creating specimen labels, collection lists, and schedules - Monitoring and updating necessary specimen records - Storing, reporting, and sending results to non-laboratory personnel stations - Submitting charges on patients\' accounts to necessary departments - Maintaining records of procedures, policies, and inventory details Always follow HIPAA guidelines and policies. By enhancing security measures-such as creating passwords, firewalls, and back-up programs-health care facilities comply with HIPAA requirements for protecting the confidentiality of patients\' records. HIPAA regulations also apply to the electronic communication of laboratory information, including scanning, faxing, and e-mail.