I’m pleased to report that CHCACT's eConsult pilot program is progressing very nicely. In this project, primary care physicians send information about a patient, through a secure portal, to a specialist; the specialist then examines test results, patient demographic and clinical data, etc and recommends either a specific treatment (e.g., daily aspirin and follow-up) or an in-person visit with a specialist. The goal is to improve access to specialty care, while controlling costs in the health care system. These eConsults are also more convenient for patients, whose symptoms may not actually require them to have another medical visit!

CHCACT is partnering with AristaMD for eConsults; AristaMD provides the technical platform, as well as the network of specialists. Earlier this month, two of the five health centers participating in the pilot went live on the AristaMD platform. The remaining three health centers are all scheduled to come on line by August 31^st.

The engagement between our health centers and our technology partner has been excellent, with all parties very pleased with the management of the project. We have also engaged our evaluation partner and started the process of analyzing data. This is an important aspect of the project – the data are key to demonstrating both the clinical and cost avoidance benefits of eConsults. Lastly, work continues with stakeholders at the state to address the need for a reimbursement model that makes sense for everyone. Stay tuned for more in the weeks ahead.

Please feel free to contact me if you have any questions.

Enjoy the rest of your week!

- Rob Rioux
Network Director