Enhance eConsult Submissions with Clinical Photo & Video Attachments

Submitting photos or videos with an eConsult can help the specialist to provide detailed, actionable insights, and reduce ambiguity in their eConsult response. PCPs report that RubiconMD eConsults produce higher-quality care plans at least 80% of the time, and boost speed to care by weeks to months. For platform users who have access to the secure RubiconMD Camera app, video and photo content can help improve diagnostic accuracy and optimize patient care. 

Use cases that maximize the value of video & photo attachments 

When primary care providers (PCPs) and specialists work together on complex patient cases, they deliver the best patient outcomes. It has been shown that eConsults increase access to specialty care and improve communication between healthcare providers, but the quality of the eConsult submission impacts the value of the specialist response.

For many eConsult instances, patient photos or brief videos can highlight information that may be challenging to describe in words or better articulated with a visual. Here are a few top use cases that demonstrate why submitting photos or videos with an eConsult can help improve the quality of a specialist response.

Dermatology

Medical conditions affecting the skin are often difficult to describe with words alone. Descriptions like “red rash” can be vague and open to interpretation. A photo or video provides a much clearer, more accurate representation of the issue. Upload a photo or video of abnormal distribution of lesions, skin, hair and nail growth abnormalities, along with the progression of skin infections. PCPs should continue to use a scale ruler for reference when zooming into any specific issues. See a real case example featuring a photo to help determine the best management for venous stasis dermatitis. 

Orthopedic & Musculoskeletal 

Abnormal movements presenting at baseline, such as a patient’s gait or range of motion during musculoskeletal examination, may be difficult to effectively describe in the body of an eConsult. PCPs can capture a patient’s abnormal movements in a brief video that includes both sides of the body for comparison. With a visual aid, PCPs can present a more complete picture that helps orthopedic specialists better understand motor impairments.

Neurological & Ophthalmological 

PCPs can consider video recording twitching, facial discrepancies, or abnormal eye movements during a neurological examination. If there is a strength or reflex issue, a care team member such as an MA or RN can capture the examination with the PCP and patient. Video helps a reviewing specialist provide specific, actionable insights. This can be especially valuable for PCPs when determining if an in-person specialist referral will be necessary. 

Cardiac & Pulmonary

Some cough characteristics and/or other upper airway sound such as a stridor or raspy voice can be appreciated during examination. In a brief video, the PCP can ask her patient to take a deep breath and induce a cough or carry a conversation to showcase any shortness of breath. 

Getting Started: Submitting Photos or Videos with an eConsult

The HIPAA-compliant RubiconMD Camera App for Apple and Android allows clinical teams to attach photos directly to the eConsult. Submitting a video is easy — Begin your consult, enter your PIN, and attach your media file. But before getting started, remember to follow your organization’s informed consent protocols with images and video. As with any eConsult, PCPs may want to discuss the value of sharing visual content with a top specialist to treat the patient’s condition. The submission response can be used as a shared decision between the PCP and patient for further management of the condition.

How to Access the RubiconMD Camera App

• Download the RubiconMD Camera App from the iOS or Android App Store. If you already have the RubiconMD App, ensure you are using the latest version of the App, which is 3.0.0.
• Start your eConsult as you normally would from your desktop or mobile browser and click “Add attachment” in the Relevant background section of the eConsult.
• Select the option to “Add from another device”, which generates a one-time 4-digit PIN.
• Open the RubiconMD Camera App, enter the 4-digit PIN, and begin taking photos or video
• Suggested video length < 1 minute; File types: .3gp , .3g2 , .mp4 , .mov , .m4v).
• When you see your photo or video successfully uploaded, select “All done”, then return to your desktop or mobile device to submit your eConsult.
• For more details on using the camera app, review this video. 
• Note: some RubiconMD users may not have access to the Camera App, so please check with your platform administrator before downloading. 

Using the RubiconMD Camera App in Practice 

• Videos and photos are intended for non-urgent cases only. 
• Required written documentation is still required to accompany the photo or video. 
• Videos or photos should not replace other diagnostic imaging, such as ultrasound or CT scans.
• Auscultation: Avoid video attachments for capturing heart or lung sounds, as more specialized audio is more effective for these cases.

In closing: A photo or video can be worth more than 1,000 words 

eConsults are designed to save time for both the PCP and the specialist by allowing for asynchronous communication. Submitting photos or videos with an eConsult can accelerate the exchange of important information. Visuals provide instant insight into the condition in question, and they help specialists to make more accurate assessments, enhance diagnostic accuracy, and deliver more efficient care. 

When specialists provide clear, well-informed recommendations based on visual evidence, patients are likely to feel more confident in their treatment plan. By taking full advantage of digital tools like the RubiconMD camera app, PCPs can ensure that they’re delivering the highest standard of care possible.