Case Study | Impacting Cardiometabolic Outcomes With Virtual Specialty Care

Use cases show how PCP-to-virtual specialist collaboration helps diagnose and treat patients with the spectrum of cardiometabolic disorders (CMD).

Optimal cardiometabolic health rates among Americans are declining, frequently due to factors such as excessive weight and elevated blood sugar levels. Despite treatment advances for CMD-related conditions, clinical outcomes remain stagnant, and health care costs continue to rise. The good news is that primary care leaders stand poised to change course. Studies show that adopting team-based, patient-centered care can improve clinical results for patients living with complex, chronic conditions. “Sharing the care” across the clinical team means empowering primary care providers (PCPs) to serve at the top of their licenses, upskilling the clinical team to take on new tasks, and incorporating specialist insights through interdisciplinary care. Virtual care, via eConsults, are proven to help PCPs achieve this coordinated approach.

Why primary care? PCPs are uniquely qualified to improve the quality of care for patients living with complex CMDs. PCPs possess a deep understanding of their patients’ overall health; their ability to build long-term relationships and trust with patients enables a more thorough understanding of patient needs and challenges. Coupled with team-based support and virtual specialist collaboration, PCPs can guide a more nuanced, equitable approach to chronic disease care.