Integrating lab results into clinical decision-making helps prescribers ensure psychiatric medications are safe and effective for long-term use. However, in telehealth settings, where traditional in-office testing is unavailable, outpatient psychiatric prescribers must consider how to manage necessary lab work for their clients. It's essential to have a clear plan for ordering labs so providers can monitor medications appropriately and stay aligned with best practices.
Key Takeaways
Grow Therapy is not currently affiliated with any third-party labwork providers.
Prescribers are encouraged to coordinate with a client's existing in-person care team on care continuity, beginning with obtaining an ROI.
Upload all external lab results into the Provider Portal in the Forms & Files section of the chart. Learn how to do this here.
Why lab work matters
Labwork is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment safety in psychiatric care. Clinicians use laboratory tests to identify medical conditions, like thyroid disorders or vitamin deficiencies, that may worsen psychiatric symptoms. This ensures treatment addresses the source of distress rather than masking an underlying condition.
Labwork is also vital for monitoring psychotropic medications. For instance, medications like lithium and certain antipsychotics require regular blood tests to check therapeutic levels and monitor kidney or liver function, minimizing serious side effects.
Collaborate with other medical providers
One of the most effective ways to obtain medical data when providing outpatient mental health services using telehealth is by partnering with the client’s existing in-person care team.
Recommended steps for coordinating with Primary Care Providers (PCPs) or Specialists
Obtain authorization - Request the client complete a Release of Information (ROI) to request records from external providers. A downloadable form is available in the Client Help Center.
Request existing medical data - If clients have recent labwork from a primary care visit or specialist, providers may request copies to avoid duplication of testing.
Collaborate for continuity of care - When ordering labs independently, consider sharing abnormal results with the client’s care team to prevent gaps in care and support appropriate medical follow-up.
Maintain clear documentation and use secure channels for all communication with external providers.
Ordering labs independently
As independent providers in outpatient mental health, psychiatric prescribers have the flexibility to order labs themselves. The following services can facilitate lab ordering and result access. With each of the services below, providers can create an account to monitor labs directly, which is useful for routine monitoring and bloodwork.
When ordering specialty labs, verify with the client’s insurance to ensure coverage and discuss any out-of-pocket costs with the client before ordering.
Important: The following networks are suggestions; Grow Therapy does not endorse or have an affiliation with these organizations.
Quest Diagnostics and LabCorp - Both large lab networks with wide access points.
Rupa Health - Offers routine and specialty labs, including genetic testing.
Documenting and uploading lab results
To maintain a comprehensive and up-to-date client chart in the Provider Portal, psychiatric providers are encouraged to:
Upload all external lab results into the Provider Portal in the Forms & Files section of the chart. Learn how to do this here.
Document the review of each lab result in the associated progress note or in a non-billable chart note if it happens outside of the context of a visit.
Ensure compliance with privacy and security standards when handling client health information.