Connecting with Providers Across Colorado
Earlier this month, we connected with providers and partners from across Colorado at the Colorado Rural Healthcare Conference. A consistent theme we heard was the need for timely specialty guidance that is practical, easy to access, and realistic for busy care teams.
Many organizations are working across multiple tools and applications, including different eConsult platforms. While the Colorado Medicaid eConsult platform cannot eliminate the need to use multiple systems, it does offer a no-cost option for eligible Health First Colorado members and a consistent, asynchronous way to access specialist input.
The platform currently supports access to 20 adult and 14 pediatric specialties, helping providers obtain guidance across a broad range of clinical needs. In many cases, eConsults provide timely specialist input that supports care decisions and allows patients to be managed within the practice when clinically appropriate.
Ease of use also remains import to clinical workflows. The Colorado Medicaid eConsult platform is designed with a straightforward, single-age submission process, so providers can submit an eConsult efficiently and continue supporting patient care without adding unnecessary complexity.
That support is made possible by the specialists participating in the platform. This month, we are pleased to highlight Dr. Frederic Bernstein, whose participation helps expand access to specialty guidance for Health First Colorado members across the state.
Specialist Perspective
Dr. Bernstein shared his views with SNC about the value he finds in participating as a Specialist (Reviewer) on the Colorado Medicaid eConsult Platform:
“My experience with the Colorado Medicaid eConsult Platform has been genuinely meaningful. As a pediatric clinician, I often see families who are worried about the possibility of a heart problem, even when the likelihood of a true cardiac issue is low. Many of the referrals I receive for face to face cardiology evaluations ultimately don’t require an in person visit. A thoughtful history and physical exam usually provide most of the answers, and only a small number of children need further testing like an ECG or echocardiogram.
What makes the eConsult platform so valuable is that it gives me a way to support families and primary care providers without putting parents through the stress, travel, or cost of a specialty visit they may not need. Not every family has easy access to a pediatric cardiologist, and many face real barriers—distance, insurance, scheduling, or simply the anxiety of waiting for an appointment. If I can help avoid an unnecessary referral or make the path clearer and faster for the families who do need to be seen, then I feel I’m doing something important. On a personal level, I truly enjoy these consults. Each one feels like a small clinical puzzle—an opportunity to use my experience to bring clarity and reassurance. Through the ConferMed and Colorado Medicaid eConsult system, I’m able to ease parents’ fears, support my colleagues in primary care, and make specialty guidance more accessible to the families who need it most.”
-Dr. Frederic Bernstein, DO, FACC, FSCAI, FAAP
Still Need More Info?
If you want to learn more about the program and how you can participate, register for our Monthly Program Overview Webinar on May 5th from 12:30 PM – 1:00 PM MTN.
Check out our updated Colorado Medicaid eConsult Program Informational Site HERE for more information. The Info Site can be a great resource to educate your patients who want to learn more about eConsult. It also provides up-to-date information about the program, available Specialties, and explains how to enroll. Please reach out to Coloradosupport@safetynetconnect.com with any questions.