Quicker and more efficient access to specialty care, whether or not an in-person visit is required
Increased involvement and visibility for patients during the referral process
Equitable access to specialty care by providing an alternative when in-person specialist visits are challenging for patients (e.g. remote locations or mobility challenges)
Improved Clinician Experience
More appropriate access to specialty care for patients, including:
Timely access to specialty advice when an in-person visit is not required (median response time <1 day)
A more complete, and efficient referral process when an in-person visit is required
Prompts learning, knowledge sharing and improved care coordination between primary care and specialists
More efficient and better documented communication between clinicians
Administrative Time Savings
Less time booking appointments
Reduction in unnecessary referrals, when applicable
Reduction in time spent contacting patients (phone calls, emails)
No need to track down lost referrals (lost or stolen faxes)