LAUSR

Failure to communicate test results to patients remains a persistent problem leading to diagnosis and management delays,1-3 with up to 62% of abnormal laboratory results and 36% of abnormal radiology results lacking timely follow up.4 The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) developed a national policy in 2015 stating that practitioners authorized to order laboratory tests (referred to in the policy as providers), or their designees, must communicate abnormal test results to patients within 7 days if action is required and within 14 days if no action is required or results are normal.5 Acceptable communication modes include face-to-face, telehealth, telephone, secure messages, or letters. To assess policy adherence, the VA implemented a quality measurement system for feedback and improvement. We analyzed the first full year of these measures to determine timeliness of test results communication to patients.