Send the report for finalization

  • 3 minutes

Finalization is the step where a completed report is submitted from the editor workflow to the next stage, typically for provider review and signature or for distribution to the electronic medical record.

In the editor workflow, finalization occurs after:

  • Transcribed text is reviewed and corrected.
  • Structured fields are completed.
  • The report meets quality and completeness requirements.

Available finalization actions

Depending on system configuration and user role, you might see one or more of the following actions:

  • Finish: Completes the report and sends it forward in the workflow
  • Prelim + Finish: Marks the report as preliminary and completes it for further review
  • Sign Report: Provides final approval and signature of the report in an attending workflow
  • Draft: Saves the report so you can return to it later; drafted reports appear in your Drafts queue on the Explorer screen

Workflow dependencies

  • After you select Finish, the report returns to the next workflow stage, typically the provider for signature or further revision.
  • If reports are sent to an editor first, they move through Pending Correction and Pending Signature queues before final signing.
  • Once a report is finalized and sent to downstream systems, such as an EMR or EHR, edits are restricted and might require an addendum.

Quality and completion requirements

  • All required fields must be completed.
  • Content must accurately reflect the dictation and clinical intent.
  • Any other facility-specific requirements, such as notes or codes, must be addressed.

Procedural guidance

Follow these steps to send the report for finalization:

  1. Confirm report readiness.

    • Ensure all edits to transcribed text are complete.
    • Verify that all required structured fields are populated.
    • Review the report for accuracy, clarity, and completeness.

  2. Check for required actions.

    • Confirm there are no missing required fields or alerts.
    • Address any facility-specific requirements, such as custom fields or notes.

  3. Add notes if needed.

    • If you need to communicate with the provider, add a note in the bottom pane before finalizing.
    • Notes are visible within the system after submission.

  4. Select the appropriate finalization action.

    • Select Finish to complete the report.
    • Select Prelim + Finish if the report should be marked as preliminary.

  5. Confirm the action.

    • When prompted, confirm that you want to finalize the report.
    • Enter your credentials if necessary.

  6. Verify workflow transition.

    • After finalizing, confirm the report moves out of your active workspace.
    • The system returns you to the main worklist or Explorer screen.

  7. Monitor status if needed.

    • Check queues, such as Pending Correction, to confirm the report progresses to the next stage.
    • Address any returned or rejected reports if applicable.

Best practices

  • Perform a final read-through before selecting Finish.
  • Complete all required fields before attempting to finalize to avoid interruptions.
  • Use notes only when necessary to communicate meaningful context.
  • Finalize reports promptly to support efficient turnaround times.

Applied scenario

You complete editing a radiology report in the Report Editor. You review the findings, confirm all structured fields are filled, and ensure there are no missing required elements.

You add a brief note to clarify a measurement for the provider. You then select Finish, confirm the action, and observe that the system returns you to your worklist. The report moves to the next stage for radiologist review and signature.

Accessibility and usability notes

  • Perform a consistent final check to reduce missed requirements.
  • Use structured fields and system prompts to guide completeness.
  • Monitor queues to ensure reports progress through the workflow.
  • Use clear, concise notes to support communication without adding ambiguity.