E-Consult: A Tool to Improve Patient Access and Outcomes for Racial Minorities and Underinsured

Researchers at Ohio State University performed a cross-sectional evaluation on all ambulatory dermatology referrals and eConsults over a 25-month period. The study reports that eConsults served more nonwhite patients and Medicaid enrollees compared to ambulatory referrals. Additionally, ambulatory referral patients were significantly less likely to attend their scheduled appointments compared with eConsult patients. Based on these results, the study concludes that integrating dermatologic care through telemedicine can improve access for underserved patients.