E-Consult Software Evolving for the Optimization of Hospital Specialty Referrals

NYC Health& Hospitals system has developed and deployed an e-consult program that is both EHR linked and web-based. It has proved to be a very valuable tool that has cut wait time for speciality care appointments and improved the performance of PCPs in the health system (see:eConsult proves valuable tool for NYC Health+Hospitals in cutting wait times, speeding referrals). Below is an excerpt from it:The [web-based, EHR integrated] eConsult tool allows primary care providers and specialists to communicate more effectively and co-manage patients when appropriate, as well as allowing them to connect patients to specialty care. The system is integrated through NYC Health + Hospitals' electronic health record systems, which helps with documentation.The eConsult system pilot began in August 2018 with two hospitals....September 2018 marked a milestone of 52,000 referrals reviewed and triaged thus far. The eConsult system helps streamline the referral process by allowing for rapid messaging and responses between providers when a primary care provider's patient has a health concern that would typically be treated by a specialist....Sometimes the communication is simply guidance that will allow the PCP to better treat the patient. Other times, when a specialist visit is necessary, the specialty clinic contacts the patient directly to schedule an appointment....NYC H+H said eConsult has helped to cut wait times for specialty care, showing that for patients referred for an in...
Source: Lab Soft News - Category: Laboratory Medicine Authors: Tags: Cost of Healthcare Electronic Health Record (EHR) Healthcare Delivery Healthcare Information Technology Healthcare Innovations Source Type: blogs