Think Research Corporation has announced that it processed more than 300,000 digital referrals through its partnership with the Ontario eServices Program and CognisantMD last year.
Digital referrals eliminate the need for antiquated fax machines, reducing wait times and errors, and improving patient care by allowing healthcare providers to send and receive referrals electronically. Electronic referrals make it easier for primary care physicians to refer patients to specialists, resulting in faster access to care.
The Think Research Consortium, which includes CognisantMD and the Centre for Effective Practice, provides technology, services, and support to the Ontario eServices Program.
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Think said that the consortium, launched in 2017, saw the number of digital referrals processed through the Ontario eServices Program grow to 150,000 by July 2020 and then jumped to more than 250,000 by February 2021.
The company added that this provincial program has grown rapidly across the province and is responsible for the vast majority of the 300,000 eReferrals processed by the company’s clients in 2021.
"We are proud of the lasting work we do with our partners to digitize referrals and make it easier for Canadians to access the providers they need," said Think CEO Sachin Aggarwal in a statement.
Additional benefits of the Ontario eServices Program include automated alerts that keep patients informed about the status of their eReferral, and allow them to confirm their appointments electronically, saving time for staff and helping reduce no-shows.
As well, a shared, real-time view of the referral makes it easy for eReferral senders and receivers to see the status of a referral at any time, and send secure messages back and forth if needed.
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