Seeing a specialist right before a major surgery can be challenging, if not impossible. The process of authorization approval, scheduling an appointment, and going to the specialist on short notice can be daunting even in the most efficient of health systems.
New technology makes it possible to get surgical clearance from a specialist before the patient goes under the knife for surgery. SynerMed CONSULT has handled two such cases within the past month, one for a mastectomy, and another for eye surgery. Both were for cardiology clearances. EKGs were submitted for both cases, along with history, medication, and allergies.
The cardiologist was able to answer each case within the same business day, with each member going in to surgery a few days later. An example of the case studies (minus identifying information) are included below:
Case 1 - Mastectomy
PCP Office: No known allergies. Medications and EKG are included. Patient has diabetes mellitus and needs an evaluation for Pre-Op with a diagnosis of carcinoma of the breast. Patient will go in for mastectomy three days from now.
Specialist: The EKG is normal. If the patient is clinically stable and asymptomatic, no further testing is required for cardiac clearance for intermediate risk surgery. Patient is considered at risk, but no contrandications.
CASE 2 - Eye Surgery
PCP Office: Pt with preoperative examination and Abnormal EKG.; Clinical Question: Pt has abnormal EKG, needs pre-op cardiac clearance asap. Please review and clear for pt catract surgery. thanks.
Specialist: Patient is cleared for cataract surgery, no further tests are necessary, perioperative beta blockade is recommended.
Specialist: Patient is cleared for cataract surgery, no further tests are necessary, perioperative beta blockade is recommended.
Both surgeries were a success and were able to be reviewed by the cardiologist in time for their respective surgeries. Another score for telehealth! CONSULT - specialist access when you need it.
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