Representing Recalls

Recently I was asked by a local vendor what was the best way to record a recall in a Practice Management System (PMS).

As background, in New Zealand (and likely elsewhere) it is common for a Primary Care Practitioner (what we call a General Practitioner) to create a ‘recall’ for a patient. These are essentially reminders that a patient needs a follow up for some purpose within some time frame. 

Examples of recalls include:

• The patient has a mildly abnormal blood test – not worth acting on immediately, but should be checked again in a month or so to see if it is changing
• A mildly elevated blood pressure was taken during a routine visit. Again, not high enough to consider treating immediately, but should be checked in a month or so.
• The patient is eligible for a screening program – such as a cervical smear – and needs to have one performed in 2 years time
• A child due for their scheduled immunization
• An elderly person is not coping at home – have the nurse contact them in a week to see how they are going