OCHIN recognized Stanford Health Care’s eConsult program and partnerships with local safety-net clinics. The eConsult program has had a profound impact by enabling specialty care access in underserved and vulnerable communities. The program allows patients to receive expert input from an SHC specialist within 1.3 days, bridging the gap between primary and specialty care. SHC has now deployed the eConsult program with four local safety-net clinic partners: Ravenswood Family Health Center, Davis Street Clinic, Peninsula Health Care Connection and St. Anthony’s Medical Clinic. Over the last year, the program has nearly doubled by expanding from 8 to 13 available specialties including: Allergy, Dermatology, Endocrinology, ENT, Gastroenterology, Hematology, Hepatology, Infectious Disease, Nephrology, Neurology, Pain Management, Pulmonology and Rheumatology.  eConsults eliminate barriers typically linked to traditional referrals, including extended waiting periods, traveling to remote medical facilities, and managing logistical complexities.  Furthermore, the program plays a crucial role in empowering community providers to practice at the top of their training, enhancing their patients' care plans and strengthening their relationships. Since the inception of the program in May 2022, there have been over 1,200 eConsults requested by community partners. Approximately 80% of eConsults result in a treatment option at the primary care level. The community providers state that 19% of eConsults result in a new diagnosis, 71% influence care decisions and 55% successfully avoid an in-person referral.

Learn more about OCHIN’s spotlight on SHC here