Table 1.

Factors to consider when deciding whether or not to obtain a formal or informal consultation

LOW RISK FOR AN INFORMAL CONSULTATION	CONSIDER A FORMAL CONSULTATION
Academic questions for the general education of the person seeking the consult	When you need to examine the patient to give good advice
Does not involve making or confirming a diagnosis	The situation presents complex issues or multiple variables to sort out
No detailed discussions or complex advice are required	When the patient requested the consult or knows of your consultation
No need to review patient records or history	If it becomes clear to you that your colleague will suspend his or her own professional judgment to substantially rely on your advice
Questions about whether to order laboratory tests, studies, etc.	When you are consulted because of your specialization or expertise in an area
Amenable to short, simple answers; in general terms; little complexity/few variables to the case; nonspecific advice	You are billing for your advice
To ascertain whether a formal consultation is needed