When performing billing in a medical laboratory, the LIS consolidates all billable items like tests, ancillary/additional fees, travel allowances, identified organisms, susceptibility panels, and other billable procedures and converts them into charge lines using rules configured in the Billing module.

This screen shows all charges generated for the selected order, including key details such as:

• Code and description (e.g., CPT/HCPCS or internal code)
• Price and number of billing units
• Type of charge (test, additional fee, travel, microbiology, etc.)
• Billing status (e.g., pending, billed, paid)
  

Use as an invoice preview

Use this feature to generate HL7 v2 ORU result messages for selected orders commonly required when billing is outsourced and the vendor needs result data for coding. Batch export is supported.

• Produces ORU^R01 messages with key segments (MSH, PID, ORC/OBR, OBX, NTE; SPM if configured).
• Works for single orders or multi-order batches directly from the grid.
  
• Ensure a BAA and PHI safeguards are in place before transmitting.

Use this feature to export all billing-related data needed for claim creation when outsourcing your billing. Upon successful export, the order’s billing status updates to “Exported.” Batch exports are supported.

• Generates HL7 v2 DFT messages (e.g., DFT^P03/P11) containing:
  • MSH, EVN, PID (and optional PV1)
  • FT1 charge lines (tests, fees, units, amounts)
  • DG1 diagnoses, PR1 procedures (if configured)
  • IN1–IN3 insurance and GT1 guarantor details
• Supports multi-order selection from the grid for high‑volume workflows.

After an order is exported, its billing status changes to “Exported.” To prevent duplicate submissions to the billing vendor, the LIS disables the “Export DFT” option for those orders.

If you must resend the billing file, use “Re-export.” This explicitly acknowledges the need to retransmit the HL7 DFT message to the billing provider and records a new export event.

Best practices:

• Use Re-export only when the vendor requests a resend or when a prior batch failed.
• Document the reason for the re-export and verify the vendor has not processed the original file.
• Confirm that any needed corrections are applied to the order before re-exporting.

Export to Excel

• Batch export (Export Orders to Excel):

  • Open the export form, set your criteria then click Export to download the .xlsx file.

• Quick export from the grid:

  • Click the Excel button above the grid to export exactly what’s on screen-current filters, sorting, grouping, and visible columns. This option is available on all LIS grids.

Best practices:

• Filter first to keep files manageable and relevant.
• Verify column visibility before a quick export to ensure required fields are included.
• Handle exports containing PHI according to your privacy and security policies.
• For recurring needs, save your filter/column setup as a Custom View or export template.

Block patient accounts

• The Patient Master includes a block function that prevents new order creation for specified patients. At order entry, users see a restriction alert and cannot proceed for blocked patients.
• Using the Block Patients option from the Orders grid will block all patients associated with the selected orders. You can (and should) enter a reason for the block. Batch processing is supported.
• Notes:
  • Blocking takes effect immediately and remains until an authorized user removes it from the patient record.
  • The system logs who blocked/unblocked the patient, when, and the stated reason.

Use the Result Inquiry form to load all selected orders at once for streamlined review and action.

From this screen, you can:

• Preview and print final or preliminary reports
• Export results in multiple formats 
• Distribute via email or fax, or resend to configured destinations
• Perform batch actions on multiple orders simultaneously

Notes:

• Actions are permission-based and fully audit-logged.
• Follow your organization’s PHI and security policies when exporting or emailing results.
  

Use this option to set a recurring schedule. It opens the Standing Order form with the patient from the selected order preloaded, so you can add tests and define the testing frequency.

What you can do:

• Select one or more tests/panels to repeat.
• Set frequency/interval (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, or custom), plus start date.
• Optionally set an end date or a total number of occurrences.
• Add notes/instructions for collection or reporting.
• Save to begin generating future occurrences per schedule.

Tips and best practices:

• Confirm provider authorization and medical necessity for the recurrence.
• Set clear stop criteria (end date or occurrence limit) to avoid unintended continuations.
• Verify payer requirements (e.g., prior authorization) for recurring testing.
• Review and update standing orders periodically to ensure they remain clinically appropriate.

Use this option to:

• Resend outbound orders to your reference lab.
• Resend finalized or corrected results to a client lab when you are the reference lab.

Batch processing is supported.

Apply tags to the selected orders individually or in batch to organize workflows and make orders easy to find and filter.

Examples: “Recollect Needed,” “Billing Review,” “ICD Clarification,” “Priority.”