RT Journal
A1 Davis Giardina T, Singh H
T1 Should patients get direct access to their laboratory test results?: An answer with many questions
JF JAMA
JO JAMA
YR 2011
FD December 14
VO 306
IS 22
SP 2502
OP 2503
DO 10.1001/jama.2011.1797
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.1001/jama.2011.1797
AB 
In the outpatient setting, between 8% and 26% of abnormal test results, including those suspicious for malignancy, are not followed up in a timely manner.1- 2 Despite the use of electronic health records (EHRs) to facilitate communication of test results, follow-up remains a significant safety challenge. In an effort to mitigate delays, some systems have adopted a time-delayed direct notification of test results to patients (ie, releasing them after 3 to 7 days to allow physicians to review them).3- 4