When a PCP/consultant calls the ED to refer a patient:
The charge nurse should tell the provider to enter the “Ambulatory Referral to the Emergency Department Order” instead of using the expected patient workflow. There are several benefits to using this order:
- The sending provider does not have to call the ED – which they hate doing because they usually wait on hold until the charge nurse can pick up the phone. The sending provider can enter whatever information they want into the order (the workup they are requesting, when they want a call back, etc.)
- Saves the charge nurse from having to pick up the phone and fill out the expected patient workflow – which is not going to get the provider the information that they need anyway.
- This order generates an OPA that opens as soon as the provider opens the chart and stays in the chart for the whole encounter as a reminder for the provider to contact the PCP when the workup is done.
- There is also an icon that appears on a trackboard column that lets the providers know that someone put in this order for the patient.
The Optum docs can enter the order from EpicCareLink – which is what they use in their office.