Result & Reminder Recalls.

Are you meeting the RACGP Standards for General Practice 5th edition in relation to recalls and reminders?

• GP2.2 A: Reviewing, notating, acting on, and incorporating pathology results, imaging reports, investigation reports and clinical correspondence into patient health records.

• GP2.2 B: Our practice recalls patients who have clinically significant results.

• GP2.2 C: Our patients are advised of the practice’s process for follow-up of tests and results.

• GP2.2 D: Our practice initiates and manages patient reminders.

• GP2.2 E: High-risk (seriously abnormal and life-threatening) results identified outside normal opening hours are managed by our practice.

The information gained from tests can affect the choices that a patient, the GP, and other clinicians make about the patient’s care. Clinically significant results need to be communicated quickly and appropriately so appropriate action can be taken, which can reduce the likelihood of an adverse patient outcome.

It is best practice to inform patients of clinically significant results in person, so the patient can ask questions and receive advice from the GP. When an in-person consultation is not possible, consider whether the use of telehealth platforms is appropriate to convey this information.

Using recalls and reminders to proactively contact patients about their care means that patients will be more likely to, for example, come back to the practice to discuss a test result or undergo a preventive activity, such as cancer screening. Failure to recall a patient may result in an adverse outcome and the responsible practitioner may face medico-legal action.

How My Clinic Consulting Can Help

A My Clinic Consulting consultant can assist your practice in meeting these standards efficiently. Whether you use a manual system or integrate with software like HotDoc or Automed, a consultant can help streamline your results and reminder recall processes. This includes setting up automated systems for timely follow-ups, ensuring clear communication protocols, and maintaining accurate patient records. By doing so, your practice can enhance patient care, reduce adverse outcomes, and comply with RACGP standards.