21 Compulink Best Practices – TestSum Tab

The Compulink TestSum tab is used to record the results of special tests – such as OCT, visual fields, pachymetry, gonioscopy, and topography – that are generally not included in the documentation of a “routine” examination.   Review the following to ensure that you appropriately document these tests.

Select the Appropriate Test

When selecting the test, make sure you select a test, and not the fees for the test.  Compulink decided to put both in the pulldown used to indicate the test that you’re performing.  If you see a dollar-sign, don’t select it!

Ordered

The ordered field must contain the code for the doctor who ordered the test, as well as the date it was ordered.  Student/technician codes are not allowed.

Performed

If the patient has Medicare insurance, this field must contain a technician code, as well as the date the test was performed.  Please request the code prior to leaving the testing room.  Otherwise, use a technician code if a technician performs a test, or use your code if you perform the test.

Reviewed

The doctor is responsible for filling in their code and the date they reviewed the test.  Do not fill this field.

Findings

While every test is different, there are some basic guidelines that you should adhere to in completing this field.

• • Specify if the test is a baseline (first) test or a repeat test
  • Discuss the quality of the test, remembering that a poor quality test may have little to no diagnostic value.  Review quality measures prior to leaving the testing room so that you can consider immediately repeating the test if appropriate and the patient is amenable to it.
  • Provide an interpretation of the test; i.e., what does it mean?
    • Interpret today’s test independent of other tests – what does this single test mean?
    • If it’s a repeat test, interpret today’s test within the framework of past tests – generally, you’re looking to determine if today’s test is stable, improving, worsening, or uncertain with respect to prior tests.

Plan

Indicate the proposed plan for the patient, including when you wish them to return to clinic.