Upon discharge, who receives the final results for outstanding labs?

The attending physician is typically the individual who receives the final results for outstanding labs upon patient discharge. This is because the attending physician holds the primary responsibility for the patient's overall care and treatment plan. They are in charge of interpreting the lab results, determining any further necessary actions, and communicating this vital information to the patient and other healthcare providers involved in the patient's care.

While patients may eventually receive their lab results, they generally do not get them directly at the time of discharge. Instead, it is the physician who ensures that all pertinent information, including lab results, is reviewed and addressed appropriately in the context of the patient's treatment. Nursing staff also play a critical role in managing patient care and can assist in relay information, but they typically report to and coordinate with the attending physician regarding lab results. Lab technicians are responsible for performing the tests and sending the results, but they are not involved in the direct management of patient care or final communication upon discharge.