Delivering test results with context & compassion

Federal requirements for the immediate electronic release of test results can cause patient confusion and emotional harm. Our policy solutions balance timely access with clinician-guided, personalized communication.

Immediate Test Results Policy Resources

Access actionable resources to help ensure test results are delivered with context and compassion

Current federal policy requires test results to be released to patients immediately. It's a well-intentioned policy designed to enhance a patient's access to their own medical records and enable them to become more engaged in their own care. Unintended consequences of this policy have resulted in emotional and psychological harm due to patients receiving results containing serious diagnoses without the expertise, context and compassion that comes from a clinician.

The following resources provide real-life instances of these effects, a detailed breakdown of the current policy and our balanced solutions to help policymakers and their teams make informed decisions that improve quality of care for patients.

White paper: When test results outpace care

This full white paper highlights the harm that comes from federal law requiring the immediate release of test results to patients, and the solution to ensure results are delivered with compassion and support.

Executive summary of action needed on immediate test results

Patients get test results delivered to their online portal before the patient’s care team has a chance to provide any context or perspective. This executive summary details the action needed at the state and federal levels to make sure patients receive context, a care plan and answers with their test results.

Understanding immediate test result definitions

Specific definitions in the 21st Century Cures Act establish how patient health information must be handled by certain individuals and entities in the healthcare system. Our Healthcare Defined series lays out those requirements in clear terminology.

Immediate Test Results Policy Resources

Access actionable resources to help ensure test results are delivered with context and compassion

The way we deliver test results matters