For as long as I can remember, NextGen has supported clients by offering two unique workflows for lab orders using the orders module or a customized lab template. There has been an ongoing debate among clients as to which workflow is ‘The Best’? We wanted to take a moment to see if we can help flush out the pros and cons of each workflow.
When making decisions on the workflow, you always want to consider: Functionality, Flexibility, and Automation.
Functionality: The customized lab template would win the functionality debate. There are many more options when a group can tailor the template through custom template editing, SQL, etc.
Flexibility: I think we will give the flexibility category to the orders module. Some might disagree with me on this one, but I’m leaning towards the orders module not because of workflow flexibility, but because of content flexibility. For example, LabCorp changes a test code. With the orders module, all you do is log into File Maintenance and make the change. Any support user could complete this function in 5 minutes tops. The custom lab template requires a developer or support team member with a higher level of knowledge to make the needed adjustments in the template editor. Typically, it would not just be 1 trigger that would need to be updated.
Automation: The orders module would also win the automation category. With the orders module being standardized, interface testing and troubleshooting are much more streamlined. More assistance from NextGen would be available when using the orders module, as it’s standardized, and they have the documentation needed to assist. Whereas with the customized lab template, the primary resources would be your team in-house.
I personally do not believe this decision is a one size fits all type of decision. There are pros and cons to both the orders module and the customized lab template. It boils down to each group and what option will best meet their needs and end-user expectations.
