Based on Chapter 12 and Chapter 13, answer the following questions:

1. It is important for the practitioner to know the status of any clinically significant orders, including referrals. Failure to ensure adequate communication among practitioners may result in a patient's failure to undergo needed specialty evaluation and testing. This can lead to delays in diagnosis and necessary treatment. A tracking and reporting system for test results should exist to ensure timely follow up with the patient. Delayed diagnosis may occur when there are no systems for tracking test results or when existing systems are not followed consistently. As an Administrator, discuss and describe a system you would implement in your ambulatory care facility to reduce delays?

2. In the context of physician-patient relationships, communication is rated as one of the most important aspects of medical treatment. Several recent surveys concluded that although patients are generally satisfied with the overall competency of care they receive in your facility, they feel that communication with the physician is lacking. As the Medical Director, how would you get your physicians to increase communication with their patients?