For busy primary care practices, time is a limited resource. Between back-to-back appointments, complex cases, and administrative demands, it’s essential to find tools that improve care quality without slowing your team down.
The Colorado Medicaid eConsult platform is designed to do just that.
By allowing primary care providers to consult with specialists electronically—without scheduling an in-person referral—eConsults can reduce administrative burden, improve care coordination, and deliver faster answers for your patients. But like any tool, success depends on integration.
Here’s how to make eConsults a seamless part of your clinic’s workflow.
1. Identify Common Use Cases in Your Patient Population
Start by recognizing which patient scenarios most often benefit from eConsults. These typically include:
- Chronic disease management (e.g., diabetes, hypertension)
- Medication guidance and adjustments
- Behavioral health medication support
- Dermatology concerns
- Diagnostic clarification (e.g., labs, imaging, symptoms)
Flagging these opportunities early helps your team incorporate eConsults at the point of care, rather than as an afterthought.
2. Designate Workflow Roles for Your Team
Assign clear responsibilities across clinical and administrative staff:
- Provider: Submits clinical questions and patient data through the platform.
- Medical assistant or nurse: Gathers relevant history, labs, and documentation.
- Front desk or admin: Tracks consult status and follow-up timing.
A team-based approach keeps things moving efficiently.
3. Use Templates to Standardize Submissions
Many eConsult platforms offer specialty-specific templates that prompt for key clinical details. Use these to streamline submissions, reduce back-and-forth with specialists, and improve the quality of responses.
Tip: Save common phrases, diagnosis codes, or documentation checklists your team can reuse.
4. Set Expectations Around Response Times
Most eConsults receive a response within 3 business days—often faster. Let patients know they’ll hear from your office once a recommendation comes through.
This helps manage expectations and reinforces trust in your practice’s coordination of care.
5. Track Outcomes and Patient Impact
Use simple tracking tools or your EHR system to log:
- Time saved (compared to referral waitlists)
- Reduction in unnecessary referrals
- Patient satisfaction or follow-up outcomes
This data can support quality improvement initiatives and demonstrate the value of eConsult adoption across your team.
6. Leverage Support and Training Resources
The Colorado Medicaid eConsult program provides training, onboarding guidance, and technical support. Whether you’re new to the platform or want to expand usage, reach out for assistance.
Visit eConsultCO.info to learn more about the Colorado Medicaid eConsult program and enrollment process.
Why It Matters
eConsults allow primary care teams to:
- Provide timely, specialist-informed care
- Reduce unnecessary referrals
- Strengthen patient-provider relationships
- Improve Medicaid performance metrics
- Empower providers to manage more within their scope
With a few workflow adjustments, eConsults can transform how your clinic delivers care—without adding time to your day.