When primary care providers have fast access to specialist insight, everyone wins—especially Medicaid patients who often face long waits for specialty care. The Colorado Medicaid eConsult platform continues to prove its value in real-world settings, helping both experienced clinicians and newer providers deliver better care, faster.
Two leading providers — Dr. Lisa Winkler, Vice President of Medical Services – Strategic Programs, and Dr. Kaitlin Prinsen from Clinica Family Health—recently shared their firsthand experiences with the platform. Their feedback offers a powerful glimpse into how eConsults are transforming Medicaid healthcare across Colorado.
“Rolling out the eConsult Platform has been transformational for our providers! The responses from specialists are both comprehensive and timely, which makes the service a crucial part of helping our primary care providers expand their scope of care. For our newer providers in particular, this service supports clinical decision making and reduces the need for face-to-face referrals.
The eConsult Platform has also expedited recommended specialty care for patients since they don’t need to wait weeks for an in-person appointment. All in all, this program is an invaluable resource for both our teams and patients!”
— Dr. Lisa Winkler, Vice President of Medical Services – Strategic Programs
For health systems, provider burnout and appointment bottlenecks are ongoing challenges—especially when navigating complex cases that require specialty input. The Colorado Medicaid eConsult system provides a vital bridge: it enables primary care teams to receive timely, thorough advice from specialists without requiring a traditional referral or separate visit.
This not only improves care outcomes, but also enhances the confidence of providers—particularly those earlier in their careers—by helping them make informed decisions with the backing of specialty input.
Fast, Helpful, and Pediatric-Focused
At the clinic level, Dr. Kaitlin Prinsen, a provider at Clinica Family Health (Pecos Clinic), shared her experience using the platform for a pediatric dermatology case. She submitted photos and asked for a differential diagnosis and treatment plan.
“I really appreciate the suspected diagnosis, time frame of resolution, treatment recommendations, and when to refer if not improving. Very prompt and helpful!”
— Dr. Kaitlin Prinsen, Clinica Family Health
She received a response within 3 hours.
That kind of speed and clarity can be the difference between a parent waiting weeks for answers—or obtaining a clear plan quickly, guided by a specialist. In pediatric care, where skin conditions can be alarming or rapidly changing, fast feedback means faster relief and greater peace of mind for families.
Why It Matters
The Colorado Medicaid eConsult platform empowers providers to:
- Expand their clinical decision-making tools
- Reduce unnecessary face-to-face referrals
- Improve access to specialty care for underserved communities
- Avoid long delays in diagnosis or treatment
- Deliver Medicaid-covered care with no cost to the patient
Patients don’t need to schedule another appointment, arrange transportation, or miss work—all while still receiving specialist-backed care. That’s the power of eConsults in action.
Take Action
If you’re a Colorado Medicaid provider and haven’t yet joined the eConsult platform, now is the time. With training and support available, it’s easier than ever to get started and begin transforming the way you deliver care.
If you’re a Medicaid patient, ask your doctor whether an eConsult could help with your care. It could mean faster answers, quicker treatment, and no extra appointments.