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How many times should I attempt to notify a patient of their lab or diagnostic results?
The medical office practice should follow a general policy regarding the timely communication of lab & diagnostic report results to it patients, as well as the documentation of these contacts.
We typically recommend three timely contacts; two phone calls, and if no response, a letter. The fact is “one size doesn’t fit all.” The final gauge of whether the patient has been notified in a timely manner will depend upon the specific circumstances, the patient’s condition, the nature of the lab/diagnostic test report, the urgency of the situation, and the timing between contacts.
