econsult

eConsult refers to an electronic consultation process in which a primary care clinician or another healthcare provider submits a patient case to a specialist through a secure, asynchronous communication channel. The goal is to obtain specialist input and guidance without requiring an in-person visit, thereby accelerating decision-making and improving access to specialty care. eConsults are typically delivered via dedicated platforms or integrated into electronic health records and may employ store-and-forward or real-time communication. While most models are provider-to-provider, some systems include patient-facing elements that allow limited questions or information sharing.

In practice, an eConsult workflow involves compiling a concise case with patient demographics, chief concerns, relevant medical history, medications, laboratory results, imaging, and a clearly stated question or goal. The specialist reviews the information and provides a recommended management plan, further testing if needed, and decisions about whether an in-person referral is necessary. The primary clinician conveys the specialist’s recommendations to the patient and, if appropriate, schedules any required follow-up or additional testing. eConsults are often designed to triage referrals, reduce unnecessary specialty visits, and support care coordination, with many platforms offering integration with existing EHRs and referral-management features.

Impact and considerations vary by setting. Evidence from various programs indicates that eConsults can shorten wait times for specialty input and reduce the volume of non-essential referrals, though results depend on implementation, workflow, and clinical context. Limitations include unsuitability for acute emergencies, reliance on comprehensive documentation, concerns about privacy and data security, and differing reimbursement models. Notable examples include the Ontario eConsult program in Canada, which has supported broader use of asynchronous specialist input within the public health system.