eConsult

What is an eConsult?

Electronic consult (eConsult) is a secure web-based tool that allows physician or nurse practitioner timely access to specialist advice for all patients and often eliminates the need for an in-person specialist visit.

“I love eConsult – so many questions in my day are too big to leave, too complicated to read about, but too small to require my patients to drive 500 km to the nearest specialist. Also, eConsult allows for specialist input now, not 10 months from now.” - Dr. Larry Willms, Sioux Lookout

As part of the Ontario eServices Program – led in partnership with the eConsult Centre of Excellence – the eHealth Centre of Excellence is supporting the deployment of eConsult in OH West- Waterloo Wellington and South West regions and in OH-Central- North Simcoe Muskoka, Central, Central West and Mississauga Halton regions. For other regions, please contact the eConsult Centre of Excellence.

Our eConsult team provides implementation support and in-person coaching for primary care clinicians and specialists who wish to use Ontario eConsult Service, hosted on the OTN Hub, which enables primary care clinicians to connect quickly and easily with specialists for expert advice.

Access to Specialists:

In addition to over 1800 specialists, primary care clinicians also have access to 120 provincial BASE™ specialty groups, including 11 COVID-19 BASE™ managed eConsult specialty groups.

How does eConsult work?

Physicians and nurse practitioners send a secure message to a specialist or a specialty group
May request treatment options, ask for advice or query if a referral is needed
Receive advice quickly and securely… in less than 1 day on average!
Ability to have back and forth discussion or clarification

Benefits of using eConsult:

Timely access to experience-based specialist knowledge

Improved confidence in the plan of care

Increased collaboration between primary care clinicians and specialists

Ability to send eConsults to regional specialists: learn how here!

Manage patient care at the family practice level, where patient trust is often the highest

Potential to reduce unnecessary referrals and wait times!

Contribute to a community of practice with physicians and nurse practitioners in their region

Improved communication with primary care clinicians

An effective way to continue providing education to primary care clinicians

Administrative tasks are lessened, such as the need to make follow-up phone calls

Improved confidence in primary care clincian's care plan

Reduced anxiety related to delayed treatment

Potential to decrease travel required for in-person specialist visits

Improve access to specialist advice and care

Where can I find billing information?

Primary care clinicians may bill OHIP K738($16/consult) as per the rules in the Schedule of Benefits (OHIP billing guide)
Specialists may bill an hourly rate of $220/hr pro-rated based on the length of time to takes to complete an eConsult
Clinicians receiving a salary or paid through alternate funding may not receive additional compensation for using eConsult

About the Ontario eServices Program:

The Ontario eServices Program delivers digital services (eConsult and eReferral are the first initiatives in the scope of the program) that support clinical workflows and facilitate smoother transitions in care and an improved patient experience. The Ontario eServices Program is co-led by the Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence and the eHealth Centre of Excellence and is funded by the Ontario Ministry of Health.