Released on July 17, 2013
eHealth Saskatchewan has identified and corrected a setting in an electronic distribution system in four health regions that automatically faxes diagnostic imaging results to physicians.
The settings, based on regional preferences, were sending diagnostic imaging results to the original ordering physician entered and would not allow an update to redirect results if a correction was made.
The issue was identified in June and changes were made by eHealth to ensure physician distribution information updates to the system are allowed. eHealth has resent the results to all affected physicians in the Saskatoon Health Region with a cover letter explaining why physicians are receiving this information, in some cases possibly for the second time.
“The settings were corrected as soon as possible upon discovery and we have taken steps to ensure that a similar situation does not occur again,” eHealth Saskatchewan CEO Susan Antosh said. “We are continuing to investigate to determine if there are any patient impacts and we are very sorry for any concern that may result from this.”
The issue has occurred since the systems were implemented, which happened at different times in different health regions.
Saskatoon Health Region implemented May 2012 and 214 results were affected. Prince Albert Parkland, Mamawetan Churchill and Heartland Health Regions have determined all of the results within their region were received by the appropriate physicians.
No patient impacts have been identified to date and eHealth and the affected regions are investigating to determine if any further follow-up is required.
Although misdirected results were sent only to physicians, eHealth is also investigating to determine whether these incidents may be considered a breach of privacy.
eHealth remains committed to providing timely, accurate diagnostic imaging tests and reports, to ensure physicians have relevant, up-to-date information that enables them to provide high quality patient care.
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For more information, contact:
Jason McIntyre
eHealth Saskatchewan
Regina
Phone: 306-337-5518
Email: Jason.McIntyre@eHealthsask.ca