The Colorado Medicaid eConsult platform helps primary care providers get timely input from specialists—without the delay of in-person referrals. But to get the most value from the platform, eConsults must be submitted with clear, focused, and complete information.
When an eConsult is missing key details or a clear clinical question, it can delay specialist guidance and reduce the effectiveness of the consult, limiting its impact on timely access to specialty care.
Here are the top mistakes providers make when submitting an eConsult, along with practical tips for avoiding them.
1. Vague or Unfocused Clinical Questions
The issue:
Submitting an eConsult with a general question like “Please advise” or “Need input” makes it harder for the specialist to provide useful recommendations.
What to do instead:
Be specific. Define the clinical concern and what kind of input you’re requesting.
Example: “Patient has persistent elevated A1C despite dual therapy. Would you recommend adding GLP-1 or switching to insulin?”
2. Missing Key Clinical Information
The issue:
Leaving out labs, imaging, vitals, or medication history often forces the specialist to ask for more data—delaying the response.
What to do instead:
Attach or summarize the most relevant information. Include recent labs, test results, imaging, or medication lists. If you’re using a template, fill out all required fields.
3. Submitting for Cases Better Handled by Referral
The issue:
eConsults are intended for non-urgent clinical questions and care guidance. Submitting urgent, emergent, or procedurally complex cases can delay appropriate care and frustrate both parties.
What to do instead:
Use eConsults for non-urgent clinical guidance. Refer to the Supporting Documentation Guide to confirm appropriate use by specialty and any recommended documentation and use standard referral pathways for situations requiring immediate or hands-on intervention.
4. Not Using the Right Specialty or Category
The issue:
Submitting an eConsult to the wrong specialty or using a generic category can cause confusion and miscommunication.
What to do instead:
Double-check the specialty list and choose the most specific option available. Many eConsult platforms include drop-downs or filters to help match the clinical need.
5. Lack of Follow-Up After Receiving Recommendations
The issue:
Some practices submit an eConsult, receive guidance, and never follow up or update the patient’s care plan.
What to do instead:
Build time into your workflow to review and act on the specialist’s recommendations. Complete sign off on the eConsult, document any changes, notify the patient, and update the patient’s medical record.
6. Not Training Your Team on eConsult Best Practices
The issue:
When eConsult knowledge is limited to one provider or staff are unclear on their role, eConsults are less likely to be used consistently or effectively.
Why It Matters
When providers and staff are trained on eConsult best practices, submissions are higher quality, which saves time, supports timely specialist guidance, and strengthens collaboration between primary care providers and specialist. This helps reduce unnecessary referrals and supports more efficient care for Medicaid members.