Start with the order and the appointment
The appointment is booked for 14 May at 9:00 a.m. Lab order L-17 was expected on 13 May. The lab's latest note, dated 12 May, says the case was packed and was waiting for collection.
The practice's receiving log has no receipt recorded for L-17. That is a gap in the record, not a reason to assume the case has been lost or to give the patient a new appointment.
Check the status before asking the lab
The owner can compare the order identifier and expected date with the receiving log, then check whether a newer delivery note exists. A useful summary keeps the lab's last update and the practice's own receipt status separate.
If the case still cannot be accounted for, the prepared question can refer to L-17 and ask when the practice should expect it. Only the information needed to identify the order belongs in that question.
Leave the appointment decision with the practice
The owner checks the proposed message and decides how to contact the lab. Asking for the current status and expected delivery gives the practice information it can use to prepare for the appointment.
Once an update arrives, the practice can record it against the order and decide whether the appointment needs attention. Until then, the missing receipt remains an open item.
Questions you may have
Does an empty receiving log mean the lab has not delivered the case?
No. It means no receipt appears in the supplied log. Check for a later entry or a delivery that has not yet been recorded.
Does this change the patient's appointment?
No. The practice decides what to do after checking the lab's response and the appointment details.
What information should go to the lab?
Use the order reference and the minimum details needed to find the case, following the practice's own process.
Sources and further reading
- Receiving Lab Cases
Dentrix Ascend describes tracking the receipt and status of lab cases.
See how the assistant can help prepare work. Access may need to be arranged.
Explore the demo