E-consults in neurology are useful when a SPECIFIC question is asked, especially around management decisions. They are not as useful when asking about evaluation questions for new complaints.
Examples of good E-consult questions:
A) New onset migraine headaches this past year -- do I need to obtain imaging?
B) Patient has history of cluster headaches and want to taper medications -- can you recommend a taper?
C) Patient has history of alcohol withdrawal seizures, on Dilantin. No seizures in many years -- do I need to continue dilantin? For how long?
Examples of inappropriate E-consult questions:
A) Patient with sciatica, fatigue, generalized weakness (no question asked)
B) Please evaluate patient with new neuropathy (E-consults not appropriate for evaluation, as need more information than what can be found in chart)