Rule Samples

IRIS clients tailor their rules to fit their circumstances. Rules can be used to accomplish a variety of objectives. The following examples illustrate how a public health client has applied IRIS to accomplish multiple objectives.

EXAMPLE 1

GOAL - ATTAINING A STANDARD OF CARE ACROSS A LARGE POPULATION BASE

METHOD – TEACHING THE STANDARD OF CARE IN THE RULE

In the Asthma Clinic referral rule, note how referrals for uncontrolled asthma guide the referring physician through the standard of care. Results of earlier delivery of appropriate care to the patient and a reduction in the number of referrals to asthma clinic are obtained.

EXAMPLE 2

GOAL – IDENTIFY PRIORITY PATIENTS IN A LARGE BACKLOG

METHOD – DIAGNOSIS BASED PRIORITIZATION AND ROUTING

In the Breast Imaging referral rule, note how each patient is triaged to determine the most appropriate diagnostic and the level of priority. Results in an equitable allocation of resources based on clinical acuity.

EXAMPLE 3

GOAL – INSURE PROPER TESTS ARE BEING ORDERED BASED ON OBJECTIVE AND PATIENT MEDICAL CONDITION

METHOD – DIAGNOSIS AND OBJECTIVE BASED ORDER ROUTING

In the Cardiology Stress Test referral rule, the combination of physician objective and patient condition determine the appropriate stress test. Avoids patients arriving for the wrong stress test, wasting resources and requiring rescheduling for the patient.

EXAMPLE 4

GOAL – INSURE PROPER WORKUP BEFORE REFERRING

METHOD – DEFINE THE REQUIRED WORKUP MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

In the Medical Oncology referral rule, the minimum required workup before a referral is accepted is defined. Avoids inappropriate referrals.