ACOG Committee Opinion. Number 365 May 2007. Seeking and giving consultation.

Consultations usually are sought when practitioners with primary clinical responsibility recognize conditions or situations that are beyond their level of expertise or available resources. One way to maximize prompt, effective consultation and collegial relationships is to have a formal consultation protocol. The level of consultation should be established by the referring practitioner and the consultant. The referring practitioner should request timely consultation, explain the consultation process to the patient, provide the consultant with pertinent information, and continue to coordinate overall care for the patient unless primary clinical responsibility is transferred. The consultant should provide timely consultation, communicate findings and recommendations to the referring practitioner, and discuss continuing care options with the referring practitioner.