Background. Few studies have investigated the time it takes physicians to follow up abnormal outpatient laboratory results. Methods. Medical record review of all adult patients seen at a primary care practice between January 2002 and December 2005 with serum potassium results ≥ 6.0 mEq/L. We used a proportional hazards model to assess factors associated with time to follow-up for episodes of hyperkalemia. Results. 259 of 48 333 serum potassium results met inclusion criteria. The median follow-up time was 3 days; after 30 days, 10% of cases had no follow-up. Residing in the same zip code as the clinic (HR = 1.39; P = .029), degree of hyperkalemia (HR = 2.97; P < .001), and renal insufficiency (HR = 1.41; P = .015) were associated with decreased time to repeat testing. Conversely, African Americans (HR = .51; P = .007) had increased time to repeat testing. Conclusions. Follow-up of abnormal laboratory results in outpatients is suboptimal and research is needed to better understand factors that delay follow-up. (Am J Med Qual 2007;22:428-437)
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