Electronic consults or e-consults have guidelines that must be followed.  Each e-consult must be about the patient who has logged into his or her account since the information goes directly into that patient's electronic chart.  E-consults are generally used to discuss issues regarding ongoing care of chronic illnesses or questions about conditions that may not require an office visit.  E-consults can also be used to discuss questions about medications that you are currently taking.  E-consults cannot be used to address emergencies and generally cannot be used in place of an office visit to address new problems that require a face to face discussion and exam, or start new medications.  E-consults can be used to help you decide if your problem requires an appointment with your provider.  All responses to e-consults will be made within two business days by your provider or one of our other providers if your provider is not available.