In the U.S., access to specialty care is often delayed by long wait times, unnecessary in-person referrals, and siloed communication tools that limit collaboration beyond one's immediate network. To address these gaps, platforms like Omnidoc are helping develop local eConsult models, organized by specialists themselves, and designed to fit seamlessly into everyday clinical practice.
What is an eConsult?
An eConsult is a remote exchange of medical expertise between two healthcare professionals. Most often, it is initiated by a primary care provider (PCP) seeking specialist input for a patient case. The patient is not present, and the exchange is typically conducted asynchronously, via a secure platform.
Unlike national eConsult models where requests are routed to third-party specialists with no link to the local care team, locally structured eConsults are built around existing regional networks. They reinforce continuity between PCPs and nearby hospitals or specialists, aligning directly with referral pathways and local care coordination.
Already widely used in countries like France, Canada, and the UK, eConsults are now recognized and reimbursed in many U.S. states by Medicare and Medicaid. In some cases, private payers also cover eConsults, particularly when integrated into value-based care models or ACO contracts.
Clinical Use Cases
eConsults can be used across a wide range of specialtiesâbut theyâre particularly effective in fields where clinical photos, test results, or brief histories provide enough context for a specialist to make a recommendation remotely.
For example:
- Dermatology: A primary care provider shares clinical images of a skin lesion. A dermatologist responds within hours, recommending either a treatment plan or an in-person visitâavoiding unnecessary delays.
- Cardiology: An ECG and patient summary are reviewed remotely, helping the PCP determine whether urgent evaluation is needed or reassurance is sufficient.
- Rheumatology: A patientâs symptoms and lab results are reviewed to guide initial management or confirm the need for specialist referral.
- Gynecology: Results from screenings or hormone tests are clarified by a specialist, supporting faster decisions on treatment or follow-up.
- Orthopedics: Imaging and clinical signs are reviewed by a specialist, who advises on whether conservative care is appropriate or if surgical referral is needed.
Most of these eConsults are resolved in less than 48 hoursâmany within a single dayâoffering faster guidance and earlier intervention for patients.
Why Use eConsults?
For Primary Care Teams
- Faster access to expert advice
- Improved clinical confidence in uncertain cases
- Strengthened care coordination with local specialist networks
- Quick specialist input on referral necessity on the same workflow
For Specialists
- Structured, documented requests
- Compensation for medical opinions
- Asynchronous workflow, no phone interruptions
- Clearer triage, focusing time on patients who truly need in-person care
For Healthcare Systems
- Reduced wait times
- Improved coordination across care settings
- Lower costs by avoiding unnecessary visits
- Better use of medical resources
Why Omnidoc?
Used by over 100,000 physicians, Omnidoc was designed with and for healthcare professionals.
What added value does Omnidoc offer?
- Open and accessible: A standalone platform designed for easy access by all hospitals and physicians.
- Integrated with clinical systems: Seamless connection to EHRs and PMS
- Tailored for and by clinical teams: Physicians define what matters â who can submit requests, how, and with what clinical guidance.
- Embedded in care pathways: Enables referral prioritization based on local protocols and networks.
"Before Omnidoc, we were handling colleague requests through scattered emails and phone callsâincreasingly overwhelming our team. Omnidoc has improved our efficiency and security while reducing pressure on both physicians and administrative staff. Most importantly, we can now properly document and get compensated for this essential consultation work."
Dr. Frédéric Augey, Chief of Dermatology, Vienne Hospital
Interested in launching eConsult projects tailored by and for medical teams?
Contact our team at omnidoc.us to schedule a demo or discuss clinical integration.