How to Create and Submit a Lab Order

This guide walks you through the complete process of creating and submitting a lab order in SigmaMD — covering both electronic and fax-based diagnostic providers.

Step 1: Create a Draft Lab Order

From the patient chart, click the Order labs button.

Lab ordering is enabled when:

  • A diagnostic provider is configured for the practice
  • At least one ordering clinician is registered
  • The patient has a registered address
  • If the patient is a care recipient, a guarantor must be assigned

Next, configure the order:

  • Diagnostic Provider – Choose from available laboratory providers
  • Ordering Provider – Auto-filled if you’re logged in as a clinician
  • Billing Type:
    • Pay in Clinic – Your clinic collects payment from the patient; the lab bills the clinic
    • Use Insurance – The lab bills the patient’s insurance directly
    • Pay at PSC – The patient pays at the Patient Service Center (PSC)

Click Next to continue. Your draft is automatically saved.

You can exit the workflow at any point — the draft will be saved and accessible from the Labs tab in the patient chart.

To delete a draft, click the Delete icon next to the draft order.

Step 2: Add Tests

You can build your lab order by adding tests individually or in groups using preconfigured panels.

  • Add Panels – Click the Panels tab to view a list of preset test bundles. Click Add to order to include a panel. To learn how to create panels, refer to this article: Creating Lab Test Panels.
  • Add Individual Tests – Click the Tests tab, search by test code or name, and click Add to order to include specific tests.

Note: Duplicate tests are not allowed. You cannot manually add a test that is already included in a selected panel.

Favorite Panels or Tests – Click the star icon next to any panel or test to favorite it for quick access. Click the star again to unfavorite.

Remove Tests – To delete a test from the order — whether added individually or as part of a panel — click the Remove test button next to it.

Step 3: Complete Required Fields

Before sending the order, ensure the required fields are complete:

  • Pay in Clinic Orders – All tests must have a price
  • Use Insurance Orders – All tests must have a diagnosis

Add Pricing

If a test is missing a price:

  • Click Edit test
  • Enter a Base price
    • Enter $0 if the patient will not be charged for the test.
  • The Retail price will auto-calculate based on markup and tax
  • Click Save

Add Diagnoses

You can add diagnoses in two ways:

  • Directly on the test – Use the Diagnosis field when editing the test
  • Apply to all tests – Click Add diagnosis on the draft order screen

Additional Fields

  • AOE questions – Some tests include optional questions for lab processing
  • Collected on – For In-office draws, optionally enter the collection date/time
  • Note to provider – Add an optional note that will be sent with the order
  • Expected on – For PSC draws, optionally enter the expected patient visit date to the PSC

Step 4: Send the Lab Order

  • Pay in Clinic Orders – Click Send order once pricing is complete
  • Use Insurance Orders – Click Continue
    • Select Primary coverage
    • Check Add additional coverage to include secondary or tertiary insurance, if applicable.
    • Select the Guarantor
    • Click Send order to finalize

Step 5: Print or Download the Requisition

After submission, you’ll be taken to the requisition view screen.

Here, you can:

  • Download or Print the requisition
  • View and print or download the label via the Label tab

Can I Edit the Order After it is Transmitted?

No. Once submitted, orders cannot be modified in SigmaMD. To make changes, please contact the diagnostic provider directly.

If you have any questions or need assistance at any step, contact our support team.