Family Physicians Gain Ability to Request Tests – Latest News
New System Allows Family Physicians to Request Tests from Hospitals
A new system is set to revolutionize the way patients receive medical tests in Turkey. Family physicians will now have the ability to request tests from hospitals, eliminating the need for patients to go to the hospital for examinations.
Under this new system, patients will be able to have their tests done at any outpatient clinic without the need to register at the hospital. The results of the tests can then be viewed by family physicians on their screens. This new application is set to be implemented in all provinces starting on January 1.
Digital integration studies have been completed to connect primary healthcare services, secondary healthcare services, and tertiary healthcare services. This integration will allow family medicine offices and healthy life centers to be digitally integrated with hospitals.
Family physicians can now make appointments with hospitals for their patients through the central physician appointment system. A 10 percent quota has been created for patients to use this service. If family physicians refer their patients to the hospital, they will create a referral or physician note through the health information system, which can be viewed by doctors in the hospital.
With this new system, family physicians will have the ability to directly request tests such as INR, x-ray, mammography, and newborn hip ultrasonography. After requesting laboratory tests, a special code will be generated for the patient by e-pulse, which will be shared with the patient by the family physician. This system eliminates the need for separate examinations at hospitals, appointment inquiries, or repeat examinations requested by hospital doctors. If the patient does not go to the hospital within 3 business days from the date of the request, the code will be deemed invalid.
This new system is expected to streamline the process of receiving medical tests and make it more convenient for both patients and family physicians.
