Can’t Get a Specialist Appointment? Ask Your Doctor About eConsults
Trying to see a specialist—like a heart doctor, skin doctor, or brain specialist—can be frustrating.
You call the clinic. You wait. And sometimes, you’re told the next appointment is months away.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. Many people on Colorado Medicaid experience long wait times for specialist care.
But here’s the good news: there’s a faster, easier way to get help. It’s called an eConsult.
The Problem: Long Waits and Delayed Care
Getting a referral to a specialist is just the first step. After that, you may need to:
- Wait weeks (or even months) for an appointment
- Miss work
- Arrange a ride or childcare
- Travel a long distance, especially in rural areas
These delays can make your health worse—or more stressful. If you’re wondering how to see a specialist faster, the answer could be right at your doctor’s office.
The Solution: What Is an eConsult?
An eConsult (short for electronic consultation) is when your regular doctor asks a specialist for advice online.
Your doctor sends your:
- Symptoms
- Test results
- Photos (if needed)
- Medical history
…to a specialist using a secure digital platform.
The specialist usually replies in just a few days with advice or a care plan.
You don’t have to schedule another visit or wait months to get answers.
For Colorado Medicaid members, eConsults are free, fast, and private.
Who Can Use an eConsult?
You might benefit from a virtual consult if you have:
- A rash or skin problem
- Questions about chest pain or heart symptoms
- Diabetes or other long-term conditions
- Test results you don’t understand
- Concerns about your child’s health
- Migraines or memory issues
Your doctor will decide if an eConsult is right for your situation.
How It Works – Step by Step
Here’s how the process goes:
- You visit your regular doctor.
- They decide if you need a specialist’s opinion.
- Your doctor sends an eConsult securely online.
- A specialist reviews your case and replies in 1–3 business days.
- Your doctor shares the advice and updates your care plan.
That’s it! You don’t have to call another clinic or leave your home again.
How One Family Got Help Fast
A man visits his doctor with occasional chest tightness during exercise. The next cardiologist appointment is six weeks out.
Instead, his doctor sends an eConsult that same day. 48 hours, a heart specialist reviews the case and shares what next steps the doctor can take to help right away.
He gets help quickly—no long wait, no travel.
Why eConsults Are Great for Medicaid Patients
If you’re enrolled in Colorado Medicaid, eConsults offer:
- No cost to you
- Faster answers from specialists
- Fewer trips to other clinics
- Secure, private care
- Help for rural and busy families
You don’t need to do anything special. Just ask your doctor if it’s an option for you.
What to Do Next?
The next time your doctor says,
“We’ll refer you to a specialist,”
try asking: “Can we use an eConsult instead?”
You could get the advice you need in just a few days—not weeks.
Disclaimer:
The information provided on this site is for general informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your primary care physician or another qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition or health-related decision.