New Lab Reference for Doctors

A new electronic diagnostic reference guide that includes information on hundreds of tests, including collection, interpretation, and next steps, is now part of an integrated point-of-care suite for doctors.

Called ePocrates Essentials, the suite also includes a drug reference (Rx), an infectious disease treatment guide (ID), and a comprehensive medical diagnostic and therapeutic reference of conditions and diagnoses (Dx). The suite is compatible with handheld devices using the Palm operating system and synchronizing to a Windows PC. The suite will be available for Pocket-PC devices in the fall of 2004. In addition to covering hundreds of tests and panels, ePocrates Lab provides information on preparation and cautions and follow-up guidelines. The suite was developed by ePocrates Inc. (San Mateo, CA, USA).

The company notes that an easy-to-use lab reference is indispensable for today's health care professional for several reasons. A doctor orders many lab tests each day--an estimated 40 per day in the United States--and therefore needs to know about new tests as soon as possible. According to the College of American Pathologists, laboratory services drive 80% of clinical decisions from diagnosis through therapy and prognosis. Last but perhaps most important, a recent study has found that 19% of medical errors in a family practice office are related to lab results.

"Overall, it's probably the most useful, best integrated set of clinical information modules that I've used so far,” said Sam Wang, M.D., associate program director for the Memorial Family Practice Residency Program (Houston, TX, USA).




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