Consultations are an essential and inexpensive health care resource to physicians and patients.
Failure to meet these responsibilities, however, is a frequent source of dissatisfaction among patients and physicians, resulting in complaints to the College of Physicians and Surgeons of Alberta, and lost opportunities for optimum care. Although the responsibilities of physicians are highlighted, patients are strongly advised to have a family physician to coordinate and to provide continuous care. Accessibility to consultations must be systematically addressed by family medicine and specialty groups and by Regional Health Authorities to maintain the effectiveness of consultations. This should include strategies to manage waiting lists. The appropriateness of consultations should undergo continuous review and improvement where indicated.