The Value of eConsults: 4 Uses for Primary Care Providers
April 6th, 2023 — An eConsult is a form of asynchronous telehealth that enables primary care providers to consult with specialists remotely to receive expert medical advice on a patient's diagnosis, treatment, or management plan. These consults are typically conducted through a secure HIPAA-compliant platform using email, text, pictures, or video. The specialist provider is not directly involved in the patient's care and does not have a formal consultation request.
The eConsult process usually involves the primary care provider sending a summary of the patient's medical history, current symptoms, and test results to the specialist. The specialist then reviews the information and provides a diagnosis, treatment plan, or recommendation back to the primary care provider. The primary care provider then uses the specialist's input to manage the patient's care.
eConsults can be beneficial for patients who live in rural or remote areas and may not have easy access to specialist care. They can also be useful in reducing wait times for specialist appointments and improving the efficiency of healthcare services by allowing primary care physicians to consult with specialists without the need for in-person visits.
In this article I want to discuss 4 uses of eConsults for primary care providers? Let’s take a look:
Provider Telementoring
When a primary care provider requests an eConsult with a specialist, they have the opportunity to ask questions and seek guidance on the appropriate course of action. The specialist can provide detailed feedback and recommendations, which can help improve the primary care provider's knowledge and understanding. Through eConsults, primary care providers can learn about new treatment options, diagnostic techniques, and emerging medical research, expanding their knowledge and expertise.
Identifying whether the patient’s needs can be met in the primary care setting
Through an eConsult, if the specialist determines that the patient's needs can be met in the primary care setting, they may provide recommendations for further evaluation and/or treatment. For example, they may recommend a different medication or dosage, suggest additional diagnostic studies or lifestyle modifications such as diet and exercise.
Improve preparedness before a specialist visit
If the specialist determines that the patient requires specialized care, they may recommend a referral to a specialist. The specialist visit may be virtual or in-person. The eConsult can help streamline the referral process by providing the specialist with relevant information about the patient's condition and medical history. In turn, the specialist can make recommendations for additional laboratory or diagnostic studies in preparation for the specialist visit. This can help ensure that the patient receives timely and appropriate care.
Increase the ability to provide medical care aligned with the urgency of the patient’s need
The specialist can review the eConsult and provide recommendations based on the urgency of the patient's need. This means that if the patient requires urgent or emergency care, the specialist can provide guidance on the appropriate triage and referral process. On the other hand, if the patient's needs are less urgent, the specialist can provide recommendations for further evaluation or treatment by the primary care provider. This can help to ensure that the patient receives appropriate care without being unnecessarily referred to a specialist or a more expensive acute care setting.
Conclusion
An eConsult is a form of asynchronous telehealth that enables primary care providers to consult with specialists remotely. The uses of eConsults in the primary care setting include provider telementoring, identifying whether the patient's needs can be met in the primary care setting, improving preparedness before a specialist visit, and/or increasing the ability to provide medical care aligned with the urgency of the patient's need.
