Overview
This guide explains how a practitioner can add additional tests or panels to an already created lab order, instead of creating a separate unrelated order.
Use this flow when you need to expand existing testing for the same patient/order context.
When to Use This Feature
Use this flow when:
A lab order already exists for the patient.
You need to add more tests or panels to that same order.
You want billing and order updates to stay tied to the existing order workflow.
Do not use this flow when:
You need a completely unrelated new lab order.
The order is not eligible for editing (see restrictions below).
Prerequisites
Before starting:
You can access the patient's lab order details.
The order is in an editable state.
The order has not already been edited once through this flow.
You have identified exactly which additional tests are needed.
Eligibility and Restrictions
An existing order can be edited only when it is eligible.
Key restrictions:
Insurance billing orders are not editable in this flow: if the order billing type is insurance, the add-tests edit flow is not available.
Single edit limit: each eligible lab order can be edited only once in this workflow.
Status/role constraints apply: eligibility depends on order state, role, and payment-related conditions.
Post-results scenario: additional restrictions may apply once results exist, and Admin involvement may be required.
Home Kit constraints: Home Kit tests cannot be combined with other tests/panels in the same selection flow.
If the order is not eligible:
The Edit option may be unavailable.
You may be redirected back to the order list or see disabled actions.
Accessing the Feature
Open the patient chart.
Go to the patient's lab orders.
Open the target lab order details.
From actions, select Edit (when available).
In edit mode, go to Additional Testing and select Add additional tests.
Sections and Fields Reference
In the edit workflow, practitioners should expect:
Additional Testing section
Test selection panel with searchable tests/panels
Action buttons: Preview, Process, Keep editing (after preview), Close
Warnings for restricted combinations (for example, Home Kit constraints)
How to Add Tests to an Existing Order (Primary Workflow)
Open the existing eligible lab order.
Select Edit.
Review current tests on the order before making changes.
Select Add additional tests.
Search and select only the new tests/panels you need to add.
Confirm selection and return to edit view.
Select Preview to review pricing/invoice impact and summary.
Verify the updated order content and financial impact.
Select Process to submit the update.
Expected result: The order is updated to include newly added tests. The system processes corresponding billing updates for added items.
Example Workflow A: Add Tests Before Results Are Available
Scenario: The practitioner ordered initial labs, then decides additional testing is needed before any results are returned.
Practitioner opens the existing order.
Practitioner enters Edit and adds needed tests.
Practitioner previews and processes the update.
System updates the order and may generate a new requisition that includes both original and newly added tests.
Practitioner instructs patient to use the latest requisition.
Expected outcome: Updated order includes all required tests; new/additional charge may be created for added tests; patient should not use the superseded requisition (if a new one is generated).
Example Workflow B: Add Tests After Results Already Exist (Practitioner/Admin)
Scenario: Additional testing is requested after results already exist on the order.
Practitioner reviews order status and existing results.
If edit restrictions apply, practitioner coordinates with Admin per organization policy.
Eligible user adds additional tests and processes update.
Billing updates occur for additional testing.
Requisition regeneration behavior may differ in post-results scenarios.
Expected outcome: Additional tests may still be added/charged when allowed; Admin support may be required depending on role/rules; a new requisition may not always be generated in this scenario.
Requisition Behavior
When applicable, the requisition is regenerated for the same lab order and replaces the prior version.
In the current UI, use Print requisition from the updated order details; a separate new row may not appear in the lab order list.
Prior requisition should no longer be used by the patient once replaced.
Billing and Payment Expectations
Added tests create an additional invoice/charge.
The original invoice is not expected to be overwritten for prior items.
Payment is required before newly added tests continue in downstream processing.
Financial preview should be reviewed before final submission.
What to Tell the Patient
Whether the requisition was regenerated and to use the latest printed version from the updated order.
Whether additional payment is required.
That prior requisition copies should be discarded if replaced.
Any next steps and timing for completion.
Known Limitations
Orders with billing type insurance are not editable in this add-tests workflow.
One edit per eligible order through this flow.
Eligibility also depends on status, role, and payment-related conditions.
Post-results edits may require Admin support.
Home Kit selection has combination restrictions.
Troubleshooting
Edit option not available — Cause: order is not eligible or already edited once. Action: verify order status/permissions; if needed, escalate to Admin.
Cannot combine selected tests — Cause: restricted combinations (for example, Home Kit rules). Action: follow warning guidance and adjust selection.
Preview/Process is disabled — Cause: no valid test changes selected. Action: ensure at least one valid additional test/panel is selected.
Patient has an older requisition copy — Cause: requisition was regenerated after edit. Action: provide the newest requisition and instruct patient to use only that version.
Edit option is missing on an insurance order — Cause: insurance billing orders are currently excluded from this add-tests edit flow. Action: follow your organization's alternate process.
Billing questions after add-tests — Cause: added items generate differential charges. Action: review invoice summary and confirm payment status before downstream steps.
FAQ
Q: Can I use this flow to create a brand-new lab order? A: No, this flow is designed to add tests to an existing eligible lab order. Q: Can tests be added after results already exist? A: Additional restrictions apply; Admin involvement may be required. Q: Does this replace the original invoice? A: No, the original invoice is kept and added tests are handled as additional edit-related billing entries. Q: Will a new requisition always be generated? A: No separate list row is guaranteed; use the requisition available from the updated order details when regeneration applies. Q: Which requisition should the patient use after an update? A: The latest one generated after the update. Q: How many times can I edit the same order in this workflow? A: A single edit per order in the practitioner EHR workflow. Q: Why is the Edit option unavailable for some orders? A: Ineligible status, prior edit already completed, Home Kit constraints, or role/payment-related restrictions. Q: What should I tell the patient after tests are added? A: Confirm whether a new requisition is needed, whether additional payment is required, and next steps.