4 Critical Ways eConsults Advance Value-Based Care
Value-based care delivers better patient outcomes and quality of care. In comparison with traditional fee-for-service models that prioritize volume of…
Community Health Centers (CHCs) are a fundamental pillar of the American healthcare system, but some CHC patients face limited access to specialty care, which can result in delayed diagnoses and treatments. CHCs, including Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), deliver essential primary care to underserved populations, including seniors, rural populations, and individuals who are underinsured or uninsured.
eConsults improve access and outcomes for the community health population by enabling primary care providers (PCPs) to rapidly obtain specialist input remotely. With faster insights, clinical teams can be more efficient, and offer more coordinated, accessible healthcare and improve outcomes for underserved communities.
Let’s review three key ways eConsults improve healthcare delivery at Community Health Centers:
eConsults eliminate common barriers to specialty care. Patients may be unable to complete an in-person referral due to challenges such as travel time and coordination, time off from work, and insufficient insurance coverage. However, by rapidly connecting PCPs to specialists, eConsults ensure that patients get the highest quality care without these financial and scheduling hurdles. One study of eConsults at FQHCs in Connecticut found Medicaid patients participating in eConsults across 43 specialities saved an average of $82 per month.1
eConsults allow PCPs to receive expert opinions remotely, often eliminating the need for in-person referrals. This access to specialist guidance within the CHC setting facilitates faster and more informed diagnostic and treatment decisions. As the prevalence of multiple chronic health conditions increases, eConsults foster comprehensive care coordination by enabling multiple specialists to offer ongoing contributions to a patient’s integrated care plan. This collaborative approach ensures a more holistic and patient-centered care model, ultimately improving the overall health and well-being of Community Health Center patients.
Recent research highlights the importance of eConsults for uninsured patients seeking care at an FQHC in central Texas. In this study, outcomes for patients treated with eConsults resulted in improved treatment outcomes three months later. Researchers found that the benefits of eConsults for uninsured patients included minimizing/avoiding financial stress, expanding access to care, expanding the scope of primary care, and expediting access to specialists.2
Improved access and convenience are key benefits of eConsults at Community Health Centers. Patients gain timely access to specialist advice through their PCP to accelerate diagnosis and treatment. This accessibility also enhances follow-up care by empowering patients with up-to-date information about their health over time, fostering greater long-term engagement in their treatment plans.
Patient surveys demonstrate that patients prefer eConsults. A recent study found that patients were equally as satisfied with specialist recommendations received via eConsult as they were with advice from face-to-face referrals. Additionally, a positive experience with a PCP was associated with higher satisfaction rates for the specialist. Ultimately, three-quarters of eConsult patients, and one-third of traditional referral patients, expressed a preference for eConsults in the future.3
Endocrinology case study: Specialist presents specific insulin dosing recommendations and coaches on how to manage expectations for a challenging patient with socioeconomic challenges.
Geriatric medicine case study: Specialist recommends holistic care plan for a senior patient with abnormal thyroid levels and multiple comorbidities to avoid an unnecessary referral.
Geriatric cardiology case study: Specialist provides medication review for a homeless and uninsured senior patient with multiple health issues, including elevated BP and increased shortness of breath.
eConsults offer substantial benefits for Community Health Centers by effectively bridging access gaps to specialized care. eConsults not only reduce in-person specialist visits and associated challenges, but also improve patient outcomes and satisfaction. Overall, eConsults represent a powerful tool in advancing the delivery of comprehensive, patient-centered care at Community Health Centers.
Cite: Ackerman, S.L., Gleason, N. & Shipman, S.A. Comparing Patients’ Experiences with Electronic and Traditional Consultation: Results from a Multisite Survey. J GEN INTERN MED 35, 1135–1142 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11606-020-05703-7
https://legislature.vermont.gov/Documents/2020/WorkGroups/House%20Health%20Care/Bills/H.723/Written%20Testimony/H.723~Helen%20Labun~eConsults,%20and%20Federally-Qualified%20Health%20Centers~2-5-2020.pdf
Bifulco L, Guidotti O, Velez I, Grzejszczak L, Angelocci T, Okunade L, Anderson D. Impact of eConsults on Clinical Care in Primary Care: A Cross-Sectional Analysis of Primary Care Provider Behavior. J Prim Care Community Health. 2023 Jan-Dec;14:21501319231202201. doi: 10.1177/21501319231202201. PMID: 37753619; PMCID: PMC10524039.
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