Oncology Capture of ED Patients with Incidental Radiologic Findings

Nicholas Garland, MS, Senior Project Manager
Katharine Klar, RN, BSN, Assistant Nurse Manager
Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Vanderbilt Ingram Cancer Center

Increased use of CT scans in emergency departments leads to higher rates of incidental radiologic findings, including adrenal masses and pulmonary lung nodules. In this “pull” model for follow-up care, ED providers use the EHR to prompt oncology nurse navigators and case managers to contact patients with incidental findings. Prompt follow-up allows for earlier diagnosis and treatment—improving care and the patient experience. From a business perspective, the cancer program realized financial gains through additional visits, procedures, surgeries, radiology scans, and/or labs.