Name of the Procedure:

Interprofessional Telephone/Internet/Electronic Health Record Assessment and Management Service
Common Name: eConsult
Technical Terms: Telemedicine consult, Remote medical consultation

Summary

This procedure involves a consultative physician assessing and managing a patient's medical situation remotely, using telephone, internet, or electronic health records. The consulting physician provides both a verbal and written report to the patient's primary treating or requesting healthcare provider.

Purpose

This service addresses complex medical cases that require specialist input without the need for an in-person visit. It aims to provide timely, expert medical advice to improve patient outcomes and streamline care coordination.

Indications

• Complex medical cases requiring specialist input.
• Patients with limited access to specialty care due to geographic, mobility, or financial constraints.
• Conditions needing timely expert opinion to initiate or adjust treatment plans.

Preparation

• The primary physician will gather and send relevant patient medical records.
• Patients are usually not required to prepare in any special way, as this is done behind the scenes by healthcare providers.

Procedure Description

1. The primary healthcare provider identifies the need for a specialist consultation.
2. The primary provider gathers comprehensive patient medical records and forwards them to the specialist.
3. The consultative physician reviews the patient's information using phone, internet, or electronic health records.
4. The consultative physician provides a detailed assessment and management plan.
5. A verbal report is given to the primary provider, often followed by a written report in the patient's electronic health record.

Duration

The entire consultation process can vary from a few hours to a couple of days depending on the complexity of the case and availability of the consultative physician.

Setting

This service is performed remotely, utilizing telecommunication technologies.

Personnel

• Consultative Physician (Specialist)
• Treating/Requesting Physician or other qualified healthcare professional

Risks and Complications

• Miscommunications due to the lack of in-person interaction.
• Potential delays in obtaining consultation results.
• Limitations in assessing certain patient conditions remotely.

Benefits

• Access to expert medical opinions without the need for travel.
• Swift initiation or modification of treatment plans based on specialist input.
• Enhanced coordination of care leading to better patient outcomes.

Recovery

Not applicable as this procedure does not involve physical intervention.

Alternatives

• In-person consultation with a specialist.
  • Pros: Direct interaction and potential for immediate tests and treatments.
  • Cons: More costly and time-consuming, especially for patients in remote areas.

Patient Experience

Patients generally do not experience any discomfort as there is no physical intervention. They may, however, feel reassured knowing that a specialist has reviewed their case and collaborated with their primary care provider to optimize their treatment plan.