For updated information on virtual care services available to support the current pandemic, please see our dedicated COVID-19 page.
The Ontario eConsult Program leverages a secure web-based tool that allows physicians and nurse practitioners timely access to specialist advice for all patients, often eliminating the need for an in-person referral. Physicians and nurse practitioners can access specialist advice in two ways:
BASE Managed Specialty Model
(Access to a group of specialists by clinical area)
Direct to Specialist Model
(Access to individual specialists by name or practice)
The Ontario eConsult Program consists of four services: Ontario eConsult service, Champlain BASE™ regional service, Teledermatology and Teleophthalmology.
The Ontario eConsult program has been created with the support of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care to enable timely and equitable access to specialist advice for all health care providers and patients in Ontario.
eConsult offers participating specialists:
- Prompt, high quality communication with requesting providers
- Innovative patient care
- Improved care coordination
- Reduced wait times
- Increased capacity at health care facilities
- Opportunities to share your knowledge with physicians and nurse practitioners
- An effective way of providing continuing education for primary care providers
- Liability protection through the permanent record of advice provided
- Remuneration through the OHIP billing process
Accessed primarily through the secure OTNhub, the Ontario eConsult program is led by the Ontario eConsult Centre of Excellence and housed at the Ottawa Hospital in partnership with the Bruyére Institute. Regional partners include Champlain BASE™ (Building Access to Specialists through eConsultation), and the South East Academic Medical Organization (SEAMO). Service delivery partners are OntarioMD and eHealth Ontario, with the support of the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care.
To sign up for eConsult, or for any questions, please contact the eConsult Centre of Excellence at:
For technical questions about accessing eConsult through the OTNhub, please contact OTN Customer Care at:
1-855-654-0888.
