Top of Scope Practice

Abstract

![Graphic][1] Medical laboratory professionals have long recognized that accurate and precise test results are key to appropriate and timely diagnosis and treatment. The laboratory medicine team of physicians, scientists, and technicians have historically engaged other healthcare providers, including attending physicians, nurse practitioners, and physician assistants, in choosing the correct test to order in a given situation and how to interpret the information provided in a lab report. But today we have a new direct “recipient” of our printed or electronic laboratory communication (the lab report): the patient. ![Graphic][2] ![Graphic][3] On February 3, 2014, the Department of Health and Human Services announced a final rule amending the Clinical Laboratory Improvement Amendments of 1988, giving patients access to their laboratory test reports directly from the laboratory performing the analysis. Of course, patients can continue to gain access to their lab results from their physicians, and this direct access “does not supplant the treatment conversation a healthcare provider has with a patient about the patient's test results.” Explanation of the rule change in the Federal Register clarified that laboratories are not required “to interpret test reports for individuals,” but “a laboratory may also provide additional educational or explanatory materials regarding the test results if it chooses to do so.”1 Remember what we learned in our “Communications 101” course: “When crafting a message, think about how it will be understood by the receiver.” Today, we have an opportunity to engage beyond the laboratory by adding value to the lab report. By re-envisioning our role from analyst to knowledge … [1]: /embed/inline-graphic-1.gif [2]: /embed/inline-graphic-2.gif [3]: /embed/inline-graphic-3.gif