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- Many electronic medical record (EMR) systems have automated features that make for easier and clearer consultations. These include the ability:
- To store and maintain a current list of specialists, with their contact information.
- To take information stored in the system and automatically populate fields such as past medical history, current medication, height and weight, blood pressure, etc.
- To import your last consult record, enabling even the worst typist to easily construct a consult letter.
- To easily append other information from your system, perhaps that radiology report or that series of lab values.
- To allow a specialist to electronically link to your EMR to review the referred patient’s file and see for themselves any new laboratory information that may have become available since the letter was written. (Access is restricted to that patient’s record.)
- The preferred consultation process varies from physician to physician. The EMR can accommodate your preferences and enhance the quality of the final product. For example, if you usually prefer to dictate and have your staff transcribe and send the consultation letter, you may choose to continue this practice (although the EMR offers easier solutions).
- With an EMR, the process of preparing a consultation request is at least as quick as with paper charts, and perhaps quicker. More importantly, the final product is more professional, clearer and more effective for both the family physician and the consultant.
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