Medical Errors Arising From Outsourcing Laboratory And Radiology Services

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: Document errors and the nuisance factor inherent in the informational exchange that occurs with the outsourcing of laboratory and radiology examinations.

METHODS: Three infectious diseases physicians at a tertiary care hospital recorded problems involving data transmitted by telephone or fax from outsource providers for 4 months. This included in- and outpatients, and those in transition from one status to another.

RESULTS: Outsourcing laboratory and radiology examinations of insured outpatients is a common practice. Insurance compan[1]ies determine which healthcare facility performs these tests based on contrac- tual agreements with outsource providers. This leads to confusion and frustration for the doctor and patient alike, and occasionally, to medical error.

CONCLUSIONS:  The exchange of patient data involved in outsourcing is subject to systemic errors that do not allow of easy solution. © 2007 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.