Go on Point to Reduce Missing Lab Orders

Lab patients without orders waste time and money. The Tualatin Medical Office in the Northwest region estimated it spent as much as $18,000 a month to chase missing orders. The dropped orders occurred at any number of departments that were involved in a patient's care, so the team created a "point person" to work with the physician and with the various departments to ensure each patient had the requisite orders. They also had someone backing up this role for cover. The team reduced monthly missing orders from 37 to 23 and estimated $18,000 in savings over 21 locations.

Here's What Worked

• Assigning a point person to work with physicians and departments to ensure patients have the needed lab orders
• Coordinating efforts across the multiple departments that engage in a patient's treatment
• Assigning a backup assistant to ensure the point duties are covered

What can your team do to identify where things "fall through the cracks"? What else could your team do to put the patient at the center?