The Vascular Surgery eConsult group is transforming patient care across the vast Southeast region by harnessing the power of eConsult services. Spearheaded by Drs. David Zelt and Michael Yacob, this initiative allows primary care providers (PCPs) to consult with vascular specialists remotely, minimizing the need for in-person appointments and ensuring patients receive timely care without the burden of long-distance travel.
Dr. David Zelt emphasizes the importance of a regional vascular surgery service given the extensive geographic area they cover and the high volume of patients needing treatment for arterial and venous diseases. “Some patients travel great distances just to come to our outpatient clinic,” he explains. “We’ve found that many of these patients, along with their primary care providers, only have questions about care plans that could be effectively managed through eConsult, rather than requiring an in-person visit.”
Since launching over three years ago, Dr. Zelt and Dr. Yacob have worked closely together to ensure the success of the eConsult program. This service has significantly reduced unnecessary referrals for surgery, helping to conserve clinic time for patients with urgent vascular issues that require in-person assessments. “By triaging cases remotely, we can prioritize those who need immediate attention,” says Dr. Yacob. “This has allowed us to address urgent care needs more efficiently and cut down on unnecessary clinic visits.”
Through eConsult, a variety of vascular-related questions can be resolved without formal referrals. Dr. Zelt notes that the most critical question often posed is whether a patient truly requires an in-person consultation. “Many patients do not need any intervention, so there’s no need for them to come in.” he says. Through eConsult, Dr. Zelt and Dr. Yacob are able to respond to inquiries about peripheral vascular disease, carotid disease, aneurysms (aortic, mesenteric, peripheral artery), and various venous conditions like thoracic outlet syndrome and varicose veins.
Key topics addressed through eConsult include whether a referral is necessary, what diagnostic studies should be completed prior to a clinic visit, and appropriate follow-up strategies. Additionally, the team provides insights into both medical and surgical management options, empowering PCPs to make informed decisions about their patients’ care.
Looking to the future, both Dr. Zelt and Dr. Yacob hope to see the program continue to expand. “We see eConsult as a great option for initial consultations regarding non-emergent problems,” says Dr. Zelt. “This would allow us to maximize our limited clinic time for urgent cases while reducing unnecessary travel for patients who don’t need to be seen in person.”
With their combined efforts, Dr. Zelt and Dr. Yacob are committed to ensuring the vascular surgery team provides the right care at the right time—whether that’s through a remote consultation or an in-person visit.