Accessing a pulmonologist can take weeks—sometimes months—for Medicaid patients, especially in rural or underserved areas. But Patricia Donegan, FNP-C from RAE 4’s Castillo Primary Care, is showing how the Colorado Medicaid eConsult platform makes it possible to manage chronic conditions like asthma more effectively and without the wait.
We’re thrilled to recognize Patricia Donegan as the first provider to submit more than 5 eConsults since the platform launched on February 1, 2024!
Helping Asthma Patients Breathe Easier—Faster
“When using eConsult, it has helped me in being able to improve patient care by not having my patients have to wait to get seen by a specialist. I have used the pulmonologist consult the most and being able to help my asthmatic patients has been amazing.”
— Patricia Donegan, FNP-C, Castillo Primary Care
By using eConsults—especially with pulmonologists—Patricia has been able to quickly adjust treatment plans, helping her patients avoid frequent rescue inhaler use and achieve better asthma control.
“I have been able to get them on a better medication regimen and they are not having to use their rescue inhaler as often or very minimally.”
eConsult in Action: What It Means for Patients
Instead of waiting weeks for a specialist appointment, patients get timely, expert-informed care directly through their primary care provider—right where they’re used to being seen.
This means:
- No long waits
- No additional travel
- No extra appointments
- Better control of chronic conditions
A Platform That Works for Providers
“As a FNP, I would highly recommend the eConsult platform. It is easy to use and very beneficial for the patients.”
— Patricia Donegan, FNP-C
Ease of use is one of the platform’s biggest strengths. Providers can submit a case in just a few minutes and typically receive guidance from a specialist within 1–2 business days.
It’s a tool that helps expand a provider’s scope of care, especially when managing chronic conditions like asthma, diabetes, or COPD that often require specialist input.
Celebrating Leadership in Coordinated Care
Patricia’s early and consistent use of the Colorado Medicaid eConsult platform shows how quickly this tool can become an essential part of primary care. By staying proactive, she’s not just reducing referrals—she’s improving outcomes.
And in the process, she’s showing other providers across the state just how valuable eConsults can be for Colorado Medicaid patients.
Take Action
Are you a primary care provider serving Medicaid patients in Colorado?
Join the growing number of clinicians using eConsult to deliver faster, smarter care.
Are you a Medicaid patient?
Ask your doctor if an eConsult could help you avoid long wait times for a specialist visit. You might get the care you need—sooner and closer to home.