1. Humana providers recognize that patients want to know the results of their lab and X-ray tests in a timely manner using understandable language.

2. Each provider is responsible for informing a member how and when they should expect to receive test results. They should make sure the patient expresses understanding of this information.

3. Providers are responsible for reviewing and initialing all lab and X-ray test results prior to the report being filed in the medical record (this applies to the provider ordering the test or his or her designate).

4. Members who call and request the results of their lab work will either speak directly to a provider or have a phone encounter slip written by office staff and given to a provider for response. If the provider confirms the test(s) are normal and the member has not asked other questions, the office staff can give the normal results to the member.

5. Each provider is responsible for informing members of the results of all significant abnormal lab and X-ray tests after the test results are available to the provider.

Emergent lab results (panic values or results suggesting an immediate risk to the member) should be reported to the patient within 24 hours.

Urgent lab results (those suggesting possible cancer or some serious risk to the member) should be reported to the patient within one week (five working days).

Routine abnormal lab results (those indicating a long term or less serious risk to the member) should be communicated within two weeks unless the member has been informed that the routine test results will be discussed at a scheduled follow-up visit. The provider is responsible for documenting the request that the member has a follow-up visit scheduled.

6. There will be documentation in the medical record that significantly abnormal or suspicious lab results have been communicated to the member and what the follow-up will be. Provider initials on a lab result are not sufficient to meet this requirement. A written, dated note on the lab slip, a phone slip, or encounter record is required.