Guide to Ordering Lab Tests

Navigating through the process of ordering lab tests in SigmaMD is a streamlined experience, designed to ensure accuracy and efficiency. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you through each phase of the lab ordering process.

Interface Request

Initially, you will need to request an interface between SigmaMD and the lab we have an agreement to. We'll support you through the process and do the needful with the laboratory.

To initiate it, access the Diagnostic Services screen in Settings and send the form to connect with your first provider, we'll be notified and initiate the process as soon as possible.

Once this request is processed and ready, we will notify you.

Setting Up Pricing

For each provider you connect in SigmaMD, we provide you with the full list of orderable labs provided by the providers for creating orders. To use client billing on orders, you can add your own pricing table for labs.

Adding Price Compendia: Go to 'Diagnostic Services' in the Settings screen. Here, you can manage your prices and either manually input them or upload a CSV file.

Updating Price While Ordering: During the process of ordering lab tests, you can view the test with or without pricing, and update the prices as you go. Any price changes made in the order will be automatically updated in your pricing list, except for the draw fee which can be personalized for that specific order.

Ordering Process

One the interface between the diagnostic provider is done, we'll prepare your account to start ordering and a notification will be sent when you are ready to start prescribing. At that point, you only need to check if the patient has their basic profile complete — full name, date of birth, sex, phone, email and address. The lab ordering button will be enabled on the screen if all needed pieces of information are on the patient's chart.

Starting: After clicking on the lab ordering button, start by choosing the diagnostic provider, billing type (client bill or third-party bill), and draw type (in office or at the PSC).

Adding Labs: Search and add the desired lab tests to your order. You can search for a lab name or code. For client bill, ensure each test has a set price. For third-party bills, associate at least one diagnostic with each test.

Draft Order: A draft of your order is automatically created when you initiate the order and will be saved after every change, allowing you to safely exit and return as needed.

Sending the Order: If using third-party billing, verify the patient’s insurance information in the next step before sending the order. If not, just click in "Send order".

Post-Order Steps

Requisition and Notification: Once the order is sent, the screen will display the requisition and labels (if applicable). The patient will also receive a notification and can view the requisition in the SigmaMD Patient App.

Results Arrival: You’ll receive a notification when results are available, they can be accessed in the same section where the requisition is located. The patient is also notified and given access to the results.

Tests without patient: Every time a result arrives, the laboratory sends some pieces of information that are used to match the results with the right requisition. If a laboratory sends a result missing any information that could help us do this match, the result will be listed on the top right of your home screen.

Viewing and Interpreting Results

Results Screen: On the results screen, we provide the view of the original document sent from the provider and a user-friendly version of the results, side-by-side.

Adding Notes: Use the 'note to patient' feature to add comments or explanations, which will be visible alongside the results in the patient’s app.

By following these steps, you can effectively manage lab orders, ensuring both accuracy in testing and convenience in communication.