The University Health System will take part in a new program which grants faster access to care for patients. The program, an electronic method of consultations and referrals, allows patients to answer straightforward questions without an appointment, saving both time and money.
Through technology, patients will have access to both eConsults and eReferrals. The eConsults allow a primary care physician to essentially consult a specialist with specific questions regarding a patient without a face-to-face meeting. Similarly, physicians can send a detailed review of a patient through the eReferral system, so that the specialist can decide if an appointment is needed.
“There is no charge to the patient for the eConsult if they are not seen face-to-face by the specialist,” said Dr. Mohan Nadkarni, a primary care physician at University Medical Associates in Charlottesville.
UHS is one of five United States medical centers to receive a $7 million grant to test the eConsults/eReferrals program.
“We were one of many institutions who applied for this competitive grant, and we were felt to be an excellent site to pilot the eConsult program,” Nadkarni said.
The program uses an EpicCare electronic medical record. According to the product website, by combining chart review, order management and documentation in a fast system that adapts to the user’s preferences, EpicCare organizes patient information, suggests actions and guides coordinated care across physical care setting.
Oftentimes, primary care doctors are given the responsibility of handing their patients to specialists — however, due to a shortage of specialists, communication and meetings can take time and be costly. Whether the patient needs an appointment or just some information, the program aims to help patients have better access to care when needed.
“[The program] should make care more seamless for the patient, increase knowledge and access on the part of the primary care physicians and improve outcomes,” Nadkarni said.
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