Consultative Medicine Changed Diagnoses - Summary - MDSpire

Consultative Medicine Changed Diagnoses

An internist-led consultative care model changed diagnoses for more than half of patients with complex conditions and modified treatment plans in most.

  • By

  • Kerri Miller

  • July 17, 2026

  • 4 min

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Objective:

To evaluate the impact of a consultative general internal medicine program on diagnoses and treatment plans in patients with complex medical conditions.

Approach:
  • Study Design: Internal outcomes data from 573 patients were analyzed to assess diagnostic and treatment outcomes.
  • Patient Evaluation: Patients underwent a 90-minute consultation followed by targeted testing and specialty consultations.
  • Data Analysis: Clinical notes were reviewed to consolidate repeat visits into a single episode of care.
Key Findings:
  • 55% of patients had a change or clarification in diagnosis.
  • 82% of patients had modified treatment plans.
  • 66% of patients experienced substantial treatment changes.
  • 35% of patients seeking surgical second opinions avoided surgery.
  • High patient satisfaction with 98% rating the practice positively.
Interpretation:

Limitations:
  • Descriptive analysis without a comparison group.
  • Potential selection bias due to self-referral.
  • No long-term follow-up to assess sustained benefits.
Conclusion:

Sources:

Original Source(s)

Consultative Medicine Changed Diagnoses

  • by Kerri Miller

  • July 17, 2026

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