Policies-Bronson Laboratory Services (BLS).fm



Policies—Bronson Laboratory Services (BLS)Alphabetical Test ListingIf collection and handling instructions are needed for additional tests which are not listed, please contact the laboratory at 269-341-6440.Test OrdersGovernmental regulations (CLIA) require that laboratory tests be performed only at the written or electronic request of an authorized health care provider. Only tests that are medically necessary may be billed to governmental entities. Michigan law prohibits offering professional courtesy testing; therefore, BLS does not perform such services.Outpatient orders may be ordered on the Bronson Outpatient Bronson Laboratory Request Form. This form is available with pre-printed physician codes. Customized forms for each Practice can be obtained through the Physician Services Center at 269-341-6280. It is important that all patient demographic and insurance information is complete. The request form may accompany the patient or be faxed to 269-343-4277.ICD-9 diagnosis codes are required for all insurance billing. All outpatient request forms must have complete patient, physician, and insurance information to ensure timely and accurate testing, reporting, and billing.Custom PanelsBLS currently utilizes the standard American Medical Association (AMA) defined test panels along with the custom laboratory test panels. Medicare regulations require that physicians be notified about custom tests panels and the appropriate use of these panels. A custom panel is a specific group of commonly ordered tests that have not been defined by the AMA or Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services.BLS custom panels include:? DIC Screen: D-dimer, fibrinogen, partial thromboplastin time, platelet count, prothrombin time, and peripheral blood review for the presence of schistocytes? Drugs Screen 6, Urine: opiates, benzodiazepines, barbiturates, cocaine metabolite, amphetamines, and cannabinoid? Allergen Panels: respiratory, childhood, foods, grasses, indoor allergens, insect venoms, and moldsThe Office of Inspector General warns that a physician who orders medically unnecessary tests for which Medicare reimbursement is claimed may be subject to civil penalties. Only those tests that are medically necessary in treating a patient’s condition should be ordered. When all of the components of a custom panel are not medically necessary, order only those individual tests that are medically necessary for treating a patient. Please note that each component of a laboratory panel can be ordered individually.Adding TestsBronson Laboratory Services retains blood specimens for a minimum of 3 days and some may be retained up to 7 days. If adequate specimen is available, BLS can add additional, follow-up testing to existing specimens. Additional testing will be performed if there is sufficient specimen volume and the correct specimen type is available for the tests requested. Regulatory agencies require written authorization be obtained for all test requests, therefore, all verbal requests must be followed by a faxed or mailed test request form within 30 days. To request additional testing, fax a copy of the “Request to Add Testing to Specimen Already Collected” form which is available on page 17 in this test catalog or call 269-341-6440.Repeat TestingWhen test results do not correlate to the patient’s condition or when an error is suspected, BLS will repeat the tests at the request of the ordering physician at no charge. The laboratory’s current test methods and performance specifications are also available to clients upon request.Alcohol and Drug Screen RequestsBLS performs alcohol and urine testing for medical purposes only. Requests for employment/pre-employment alcohol and/ or drug testing should be directed to Bronson ProHealth at 269-341-8938. After ProHealth office hours, patients with such requests are directed to the Bronson Trauma & Emergency Center. Specimens for employment urine drug screening are collected by ProHealth or Bronson Trauma & Emergency Center staff and sent directly to an outside reference laboratory.Laboratory PrioritiesPlease check the Alphabetical Test Listing in this BLS test catalog for turnaround times of specific tests. Most tests are performed around the clock and are generally reported within 8 hours of receipt. Some laboratory tests are performed in a batched mode once per day. Tests sent to the referencelaboratory will be dependent on courier pickup times and the reference laboratory specified turnaround time.? Routine: Depending on the tests ordered, results are reported within an 8- to 24-hour period.? Timed: Specimens are collected at the specified time. Priority of testing may be designated as STAT, ASAP, or routine.? ASAP: Results within 3 hours from receipt in the laboratory.? STAT: STAT requests are given top priority, with most results within 1 hour of receipt in the laboratory. STAT testing should be used for diagnostic and emergent care only.Laboratory Result ReportingThe following are forms of notification for reporting results to the clinician:? Printed Reports: Printed reports are provided upon result completion to the requesting clinician, as well as consulting clinicians, when complete name and address information is indicated on the order. BLS recommends the autoprint/fax method to receive results for both security and timeliness of reports. The laboratory consults with the office clinical staff to establish a schedule for automatically printing/faxing directly to the clinician’s office. If autoprint/fax is not available, reports can be delivered via U.S. mail or courier routes.? STAT Requests: STAT requests receive priority handling and the results are communicated to the referring physician immediately after test completion by a phone call or an “on-demand” fax. In cases where critical (life threatening) values are reported, a phoned report will automatically occur to the referring clinician, with request to read back the results to ensure accurate communication and patient safety.? Epic CareLink: CareLink is a web-based tool you can use to access and view laboratory results and other patient information online. You can log in or request access using this link: Please call Bronson IT Support at (269) 341-6330 with any questions or problems regarding CareLink. For information on report distribution options, contact theLaboratory Information System facilitator at 269-341-8263Request to Add Testing to Specimen Already CollectedREQUEST TO ADD TESTING TO SPECIMEN ALREADY COLLECTEDBRONSON LABORATORY SERVICES601 John Street, Box 37Kalamazoo, Michigan 49007Phone: (269) 341-6440Lab Fax:(269) 341-8423Cytology/Pathology Fax: (269) 341-6861Pl ease fill in the form below and fax to the number above. Bronson Laboratory staff will check to see if adequate sample is available to perform the requested testing. If sam ple is available, testing will be performed, and this form will serve as the test order as required by CLIA (ClinicalLaborato ry Im provement Act) regulations. If no sample is available, Bronson Laboratory staff will contact you at th e number you have provided below. Thank You.Please make photocopies ofblank .form or contactlaboratOiy ijyo11need additional copies.Pah.e nt &Sa mprel n formah·on:Patient Name:ACCT #or Date of Birth:Specimen Collection Date:Test(s) to Add:Diagnostic Information (lCD-9) for added tests:Additional Comments:Physician Office Information:Physician: I Physician Phone #Physician Office Contact Person:This section for Bronson Laboratory Sraff Use Only.This is a phoned in order? Yes NoCall rec'd by: _Specimen Available & Adequate for Testing?YesNoIf Ycs, test codes ordered, labels generated and specimen submitted for testing? YesNoIf No, physician office comacred: Date:Time:Person Contacted: Was form given to Registration for update of additional diagnostic info: YesNo Laboratory employee initials: ___FILE COMPLETED FORMS IN DAILY REQU ISITION FILES (DATE OF ORIGINAL REQUEST) ................
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