When you’re managing your health, waiting weeks or even months to see a specialist can be frustrating. For many Colorado Medicaid patients, that wait means delayed treatment, lost work hours, and long drives, all for questions your primary care provider (PCP) might be able to resolve faster with a little help. That’s where eConsults come in.
An eConsult lets your PCP get input from a specialist without you needing an in-person visit. It’s fast, secure, and fully covered under Colorado Medicaid (Health First Colorado).
While patients don’t request eConsults directly, understanding when one might be right for you helps you talk to your doctor about this option.
1. You’re waiting months for a specialist appointment
If your PCP has referred you to a specialist but the next available appointment is weeks or months away, an eConsult can often get you answers much sooner. Specialists respond to eConsults within a few days, sometimes less than 48 hours. That means you and your doctor can act faster without delay.
2. Your condition is stable but needs expert confirmation
If your PCP is managing a condition like diabetes, high blood pressure, eczema, or migraines, they might only need a specialist’s confirmation before adjusting your care plan. An eConsult gives them that second opinion quickly, ensuring your treatment stays on track.
3. You live far from major medical centers
For many Coloradans in rural or mountain communities, specialist care can mean long drives and missed workdays. With eConsults, your PCP can connect with specialists electronically, saving you the trip while still getting you expert advice.
4. You’ve had recent tests but need help understanding results
Sometimes lab results or imaging raise questions that your PCP wants to double-check. Rather than sending you to another appointment, your doctor can use an eConsult to confirm next steps with a specialist, saving time and unnecessary stress.
5. You’re managing a chronic condition with new symptoms
When something changes in your ongoing condition, your PCP can request a specialist’s input right away. This helps ensure your care remains safe and responsive — and if an in-person visit is needed, the eConsult can help make sure it’s directed to the right specialist the first time.
What to remember
Patients can’t submit eConsults themselves, your PCP initiates them on your behalf when it’s medically appropriate. But knowing how they work helps you ask informed questions during appointments.
If you’re on Colorado Medicaid, there’s no additional cost for eConsults. They’re a built-in part of your care coverage, designed to get you faster, more coordinated treatment without the barriers of travel or long waits.
Ask your doctor if an eConsult could be the next step toward your answers.