EMH Reference Laboratory

Testing Ordering Policies

Add-on Orders
Verbal requests for additional testing are accepted if the specimen quantity and quality is deemed appropriate for the test requested. A written confirmation of the add-on test order will be required; we will fax an Add-on Test form for physician to add signature and additional ICD-9 codes, if necessary. Please fax the completed Add-on Test form back within 48 hours.

Unlisted Tests
For information regarding tests you are unable to find in Test Search, please call Client Services at 866-941-4542.

Reflexed Testing
A reflexed test is a secondary test performed when a primary test result is outside of established result parameters. These secondary tests are performed to confirm the primary results or enhance the patient's clinical picture. For some tests, performing the reflexed test is considered common practice and does not require additional orders from the physician. Other reflex tests, though they may be clinically relevant, are not automatically performed unless specifically requested by the physician, usually at the time of the initial test order. View Reflex Test tables.

Medicare Limited Coverage
Whenever it is likely that Medicare will not cover a test(s), the patient must complete an Advanced Beneficiary Notice, (ABN) before the test is ordered. A copy of the signed ABN must be submitted to the laboratory with the test order. You can check a current EMHRL Medicare Guide for more information on ABN's and tests with limited Medicare coverage. To view or download a current EMHRL Medicare Guide, click here. To download an ABN form, click here.

STAT Testing
Before ordering a test STAT, check to see if the test is available on a STAT basis. View the STAT Test Availability List. Couriers may be dispatched for STAT specimen pickup by calling Client Services at 866-941- 4542. Please be aware that there is an additional charge for requesting a STAT specimen pickup.

Result Reporting Policies

Report Preference
Clients may opt for delivery of laboratory results electronically, by fax*, remote printer, courier, or US mail.

Learn more about electronic connectivity

*Fax numbers must be registered and verified by client services before private health information can be faxed.

Turnaround Time and Delayed Reporting
Turnaround time is the time between specimen receipt and availability of results. The average turnaround time for each test is, in part, a combination of the analytic time (average time required to perform a specific test) and frequency of testing (number of test runs per week). Turnaround times listed in the test catalog are meant to be a general guide for result availability. Result availability may be delayed due to factors such as pathologist's review, repeat testing, analyzer downtime, questionable sample quality, or insufficient ordering information. Clients are notified when a specimen problem or other significant delay is anticipated.

Verbal Results
Verbal results may be released to the physician (or authorized representative) who ordered the test or who is currently treating the patient. EMHRL reserves the right to refuse disclosure of results over the telephone when the identity of the caller cannot be positively identified as an authorized health-care operative requiring information for patient treatment as defined under HIPAA.

Critical Results
Communication among caregivers is a National Patient Safety goal. When test results are critical, the laboratory is required to communicate the results to a designated caregiver. To ensure that critical laboratory values are communicated to an approved designee, your current 24-hour contact information is essential. Please call Client Services if your contact information changes.