🧠 Memory Aids for Color Meanings

Color Mnemonic
⚫ Black “Black hole” – no orders
🟢 Green “Go” – ready for treatment
🔴 Red “STOP” – pending issues
🔵 Blue “Office Visit” – no further action
🟡 Yellow “Caution” – labs or signatures needed

📊 Actions Taken Based on Dot Color

Color Meaning Action
⚪ White Nothing to dispense (e.g., labs only, hydration, transfusion) No pharmacy action required
⚫ Black “Blank” or “black hole” — no orders present Notify provider
🟢 Green Orders signed, no pending issues Good to go – no follow-up needed
🔴 Red STOP – Orders require clarification Do not dispense; clarify with provider ASAP
🔵 Blue Unsigned orders with office visit Add “_OV” note
🟡 Yellow Unsigned orders requiring follow-up (e.g., pending labs) Add “_labs” or “_unsigned” note

The algorithm below is designed to prioritize the identification and targeting of unsigned orders for patients who do not have same-day clinic visits and do not require lab results for the provider to sign the order. By highlighting these unsigned orders with a yellow dot, pharmacists can focus on addressing them promptly, thereby preventing unnecessary delays in patient care. The current color dot system does not adequately prioritize these orders, making it difficult for pharmacists to distinguish them from others. This algorithm seeks to create a more structured and simplified color dot assignment by focusing on three key factors—unsigned orders, office visits, and lab results—and arranging them in a hierarchical order of importance.

Color Dots Selection Algorithm

⚠️
This algorithm for assigning dot colors considers only three factors to simplify the process: unsigned orders, same-day clinic or office visits, and lab result status. However, during chart reviews, you should also examine other elements such as authorization status, dosing, the accuracy of appointment dates (ensuring they are not too early), and other relevant factors.

🟡 Less than 24 hours before the patient's appointment, all yellow dots will require further review and actions to prevent treatment day delays for patients.

📌 Practical Guidance for Yellow Dots

  • Pharmacists must review yellow dots daily.
  • If labs were drawn the day before, check by afternoon — most are available then.
  • If labs are normal, notify the physician to sign orders.
  • If abnormal, escalate to physician for clarification.
  • If labs are not yet available, assume they will be drawn day-of and:
    • Change dot to BLUE
    • Add note: "no OV, no labs avail"