eConsult
An eConsult, short for electronic consultation, is a digital method where a provider (often a PCP) communicates securely with a specialist to get expert advice about a patient’s specific health issue. This interaction takes place on a secure online platform where the PCP shares relevant patient information, like medical history and test results, and asks specific questions. The specialist then reviews this information and provides recommendations that can help the requesting provider manage the patient's care more effectively. It is best practice for the requesting provider to obtain patient consent before an eConsult takes place.
eConsults often enable patients to avoid traveling for an in-person specialist visit. Since it began, The Care Collaborative’s eConsults program has received over 35,000 eConsults, with 80 percent answered in less than two business days. The eConsults program receives partial funding from state and federal agencies.
The School of Medicine at CU Anschutz launched its eConsults program in 2018, modeled after the American Association of Medical College’s Project CORE initiative (www.aamc.org/about-us/mission-areas/health-care/project-core). eConsults are built directly into EPIC, the electronic health record system, allowing PCPs within the CU and UCHealth systems to choose from more than 115 templates to consult with over 90 specialists across 24 different medical areas. Since 2019, clinics outside of our system have been sending eConsults to CU Anschutz specialists through the AristaMD web portal.
Reduced unnecessary specialty referrals
93% of eConsults are resolved without the need for an in-person specialist visit
Decreased wait time for specialty input
eConsults are answered in an average of 1.7 business days
Reduced patient travel
eConsults saved an estimated 888,098 miles of travel for patients between 2018 and 2024 – nearly 36 times around the earth!
All payors
The eConsults program is available for all patients regardless of insurance type.
eConsults and the Environment
Read about how eConsults help reduce the environmental pollutants associated with health care delivery in Reduction of Environmental Pollutants and Travel Burden Through an Academic Medical Center-based Electronic Consultation Program.
eConsults by the Numbers
eConsults serve as a valuable telehealth tool that reduces the need for in-person specialty visits and promotes a primary care-driven, patient-centered medical home.
- Serving 53 community-based primary care practices in 48 counties across Colorado
- Over 3,000 providers have requested an eConsult since 2018
- Over 90 specialists across more than 20 adult specialties covering approximately 115 specific adult medical conditions
- 35,000 eConsults received since 2018
- eConsults have save nearly 900,000 travel miles--nearly 36 times around the earth!