Use eConsult services in Epic to support patients with substance use issues

Providers can now use the two addiction medicine eConsult services in Epic for support when patients present with substance use issues. The eConsults allow providers to communicate with general internal medicine and ob-gyn physician groups specializing in addiction to get recommendations.

To initiate a consultation in Epic for patients with a condition related to substance use, select from the following options:

• “Electronic Consult/Referral to Alcohol and Drug Treatment”
• “Addiction Medicine” or “Perinatal Addiction Medicine” for individuals who identify as female and who may have obstetrical or other reproductive health needs

Patients must give verbal, documented consent for this service and are not to be present during the consultation. The eConsult addiction medicine recommendations are documented in the electronic health record and are billable for requesting and responding providers.*

*Depending on the patient's health care provider, they may be charged cost-sharing depending on the terms of their plan.