When a lab order is created, it remains editable. The comment box within it is always editable. The diagnosis box and the panels ordered box is editable, so long as the order is not resulted and signed by the person entering results. What is being requested is a button (near the Add or Edit button), or perhaps within the order dialog itself, allowing a provider to lock the order (panels box, diagnosis box and comment box) from deletion or editing. The fact that an order can be placed, and then later changed by any user within the practice (as to what was ordered, the diagnosis associated, or comments in the comment box, which could be recording things such as phone conversations with the patient about the order or the tests) is a potential liability. Comments and entire orders can be deleted completely from the record.
Requested Steps to define spec: A button that springs a password box that allows a user (probably only a provider user) to enter a password that locks the order (panels ordered, Dx codes, internal comment box). It would also be nice if an unlock feature was also provided, allowing the provider who locked it to unlock it, perhaps for adding additional comments, and then to lock it again.
Expected Result: Lock button locks the order (complete order) from being deleted or edited.
Actual Result: Currently, no locking capability is present at all.
Impact on Workflow: Not much impact on workflow, unless an edit needs to be made and the order is locked, in which case, provider who locked it will have to unlock it. What it will improve is security of the order within the system, from being altered or deleted, whether maliciously or by accident.