NCHS_BSCPHP_Case_Stu Dy_ETK.pdf

North County Health Services (NCHS) and Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan have collaborated since 2018 to improve specialty care access for patients through e-consults. NCHS, a Federally Qualified Health Center, serves 70,000 patients, and Blue Shield Promise is a managed care organization with 17,000 members among NCHS's patient population. The e-consult platform enables primary care providers to connect with specialists asynchronously, addressing non-urgent issues and reducing the need for face-to-face appointments. Since January 2018, NCHS's primary care providers have submitted 655 e-consults for Blue Shield Promise members, with 75% replacing face-to-face visits and 93% impacting patient care plans. The collaboration has improved access to care, reduced wait times, and enhanced provider satisfaction, with plans to expand to other payers and clinics.