Released on April 15, 2013
The Saskatchewan Disease Control Laboratory (SDCL) and eHealth Saskatchewan have identified and corrected a computer issue that prevented the electronic distribution of some test results to physician offices.
The issue occurred sporadically from July 2012 to March 2013 due to a software change to the laboratory information system, which supplies information to physicians’ Electronic Medical Record (EMR) systems.
Lab tests results for 25 patients were not received by the receiving physician office.
“The technical issue has been fixed and we are working with eHealth Saskatchewan to ensure a similar situation does not occur again,” SDCL Executive Director Patrick O’Byrne said. “We continue to investigate the situation and we apologize for any inconvenience or concern this situation may have caused.”
Approximately 2,300 lab reports were faxed or mailed to the physicians, but not provided electronically. Paper reports remain a routine method of sharing information to ensure physicians receive the information they need to provide quality patient care.
The SDCL is currently in the process of notifying all physicians whose patient records were not received, and providing them with the relevant test results. Physicians will follow up with patients if required. SDCL is also notifying the patients involved.
The SDCL and eHealth remain committed to providing timely, accurate laboratory tests and reports, to ensure physicians have relevant, up-to-date information that enables them to provide high-quality patient care.
Physicians who have questions about this can contact the SDCL Customer Service Centre at 306-787-3131.
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For more information, contact:
Tyler McMurchy
Health
Regina
Phone: 306-787-4083
Email: tmcmurchy@health.gov.sk.ca
Cell: 306-537-3594