Pediatric dermatology eConsultation: Insights to reduce barriers to utilization and increase access to care.

Abstract

Provider-to-provider outpatient pediatric dermatology eConsultation services increase access to care, but barriers exist that may prevent eConsult implementation and survival. We deployed cross-sectional surveys to referring pediatric primary care physicians and consulting pediatric dermatologists participating in our eConsult program to identify barriers to utilization and sustainability. Our data suggest that eConsultation increases access to care and offers iterative educational opportunities for primary care providers, which may ultimately reduce office referrals for common outpatient skin issues. Sustainability of eConsult services requires simple order templates, clear representative photos, concise submission reports, and provider reimbursement.