On July 1, 2022, the Diabetes Mellitus eConsults launched as an asynchronous provider-to-provider consultation for all those with JHM Epic access, supported by our specialists in adult endocrinology.
Diabetes Mellitus eConsults are a cost-effective way to reduce wait time and increase patient access to endocrinologists for adult diabetes care and management. Primary car providers can expect advice from an endocrinologist within five business days in Epic.
With the support of the Baltimore Metropolitan Diabetes Regional Partnership (BMDRP), Diabetes Mellitus eConsults are offered at no cost to patients.
What kinds of clinical questions can be asked in a Diabetes Mellitus eConsult?
This eConsult can be used to answer focused, non-urgent clinical questions about diabetes mellitus (other than type 1) in adult patients that can generally be answered by an endocrinologist after reviewing the patient’s chart. Glucose data or Hemoglobin A1c data should be available in Epic from within 90-days of submitting the eConsult. Some examples of appropriate clinical questions for diabetes eConsult are:
- Selection of initial antihyperglycemic medication or sequential non-insulin add-on therapy
- Initiation of basal insulin therapy, addition of bolus insulin, and insulin titration
- Diagnosis and management of diabetes-related complications
- Confirmation of diagnosis of type 2 diabetes (vs. alternative types of diabetes)
Diabetes eConsults are appropriate for straightforward clinical questions for an endocrinologist or diabetes specialist. The endocrinologist reviewing the diabetes eConsult may recommend a referral for a comprehensive consultation with a diabetes specialist for more complex cases. Patients may also benefit from comprehensive Diabetes Self-Management Training (DSMT) by a certified diabetes care and education specialist. Providers are encouraged to refer any newly diagnosed patients or patients with uncontrolled diabetes using “Ambulatory Referral to Diabetes Services/Education – REF20.”
