In an American Gastroenterological Association Perspectives Online report, Molly Cooke, MD, FACP, and John Allen, MD, MBA, AGAF, explore the concept of improving patient care through primary care physician and subspecialty physician coordination.
Reasons primary care physicians reach out to subspecialty physicians
• True diagnostic dilemma
• Procedure is required that primary care does not offer
• Needed expertise in a diagnostic or therapeutic decision
• A rare presentation or disease that should be seen by other physicians
Ways to coordinate care
• Structured referrals
• Alternative modes of patient visits coordinated through EMR
• Shared clinical decision support tools
• Clinical algorithms
• Development of consultation templates
Dr. Cooke is the president of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Allen is the president elect of the American Gastroenterological Association.
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Reasons primary care physicians reach out to subspecialty physicians
• True diagnostic dilemma
• Procedure is required that primary care does not offer
• Needed expertise in a diagnostic or therapeutic decision
• A rare presentation or disease that should be seen by other physicians
Ways to coordinate care
• Structured referrals
• Alternative modes of patient visits coordinated through EMR
• Shared clinical decision support tools
• Clinical algorithms
• Development of consultation templates
Dr. Cooke is the president of the American College of Physicians. Dr. Allen is the president elect of the American Gastroenterological Association.
More Articles on Gastroenterology:
Looking Beyond the Scope: Integrated Care & Women's Health in Gastroenterology
Cost-Effective Question: FMT vs. Antibiotics
19 Statistics on Gastroenterologist Lifestyle