Impact of Pediatric Electronic Consultations in a Federally Qualified Health Center

In this study of patients referred to pediatric cardiology, endocrinology or pulmonology at a federally qualified health center, the use of e-consults combined with evidence-based referral guidelines provided a useful tool to help front line pediatric primary care providers manage complex problems and identify those not needing to see a specialist in person. As a result, twenty-three percent of all referrals made post-implementation were submitted for an e-consult, with 53% preventing an unnecessary face-to-face visit.