As a dermatologist, you rely on your lab partner to provide correct diagnoses to ensure your patients receive the highest level of care. However, since communication errors are a major factor in up to 70 percent of adverse events, it’s easy to see how better communication with your dermatopathology laboratory can lead to better results.
Producing accurate results is a team effort. By identifying the information required for a definitive diagnosis, developing a communicative relationship, and enhancing communication through technology, you can help your dermatopathology lab consistently produce more valuable reports.
Facilitating Definitive Diagnoses
When it comes to complicated diagnoses (such as rashes/eruptions), it’s safe to say dermatologists get out of it as much as they put into it. In cases like these, the value of the report you receive from the lab sometimes reflects the amount and quality of clinical information you share with the dermatopathologist.
For instance, including your differential diagnosis in the requisition form can help steer the dermatopathologist in the right direction. This is particularly helpful when it comes to the diagnosis of inflammatory skin diseases. The histological findings may be subtle, and comprehensive clinical information, including photos, may be needed to arrive at the most accurate diagnosis.
By providing your dermatopathologist with clinical features, you can help ensure they have the required data to make a definitive diagnosis.
Relationships of Communication
When a dermatologist receives a report that is not definitive, it could be the result of the dermatopathologist not fully understanding the clinical scenario. In these cases, the dermatologist should be proactive and communicate with the dermatopathologist, providing any additional details for a more definitive diagnosis. For example, relevant information for an eruption may include the distribution, duration, symptoms, extent, and color. The dermatopathologist should also reach out to the dermatologist for more information when needed.
Meanwhile, dermatologists who value turnaround time and accurate results should make improving the relationship with the lab a priority. A survey of dermatopathologists showed that diagnoses were delayed due to lack of clinical information, as 45 percent of respondents spend more than 30 minutes a day tracking down clinical information that was not present on the order form. By voluntarily providing information upfront, following up as needed, and building relationships based on communication, you can help your dermatopathologist improve the quality of the lab results.
Technology-Enhanced Information
Digital tools can enhance laboratory reporting and enable clinicians to better correlate findings. For example, an EMR interface can simplify the transfer of data between your clinic and the lab. This can reduce the chances of errors by replacing handwriting and carbon copies. In clinics where handwritten requisition forms are used, digital tools provided by PathologyWatch enhance clinic flexibility by providing various reporting options.
PathologyWatch also supports clients interested in enhanced EMR reporting options. Where available, these EMR interfaces can provide the dermatopathologist with valuable clinical information, including clinical photos, visit notes, and the history of present illness to the laboratory. In addition, PathologyWatch is able to deliver results that speed up dermatologist report review and sign-off within their clinic.
By providing clinical features, taking a proactive role in communicating, and considering technology options to support your communication, you can experience better communication with your dermatopathology laboratory to produce better results.