Improving Referral Management After Biometric Health Screening

Abstract

Referral management after biometric health screening is an integral component in the employee health model of care. Early detection and identification of health problems, counseling, follow-up, and referral to a health care provider can improve patient outcomes. PURPOSE: The purpose of this project was to improve the referral management process after biometric screening at a central North Carolina employee health center. Biometric screening referrals for 2015 were reviewed. A sample of 420 screens revealed 84% of patients with abnormal biometric screens did not follow-up with the health center, therefore no further referral was completed. Using an updated biometric screening process and intervention tool, 2015 and 2016 data were then compared to assess for an improvement between the two years. METHODS: Random retrospective chart review and comparison was limited to selected months between January through June 2015 and 2016. Evaluation measures included the following: initial patient referral using intervention tool after biometric screening, contact with the employee after completion of the screening, documentation of the referral completion, and employee’s return to the health center. RESULTS: 2016 abnormal biometric screens were consistently referred for follow-up counseling using intervention tool. Evaluation of the data revealed process improvement in screening and referral consistency and documentation. Health center utilization improved between 2015 and 2016. A revised policy on referral management at the health center improved consistency between screeners, tracking of referrals, patient follow-up, and patient volume at the health center. CONCLUSIONS: Using a standardized referral process and intervention tool improved the biometric screening program in this central NC employee health center.