B. Graeme Fincke, MD

Even with significant organizational investment in cross-system coordination, primary care providers report a range of challenges in coordinating care with specialists in other health systems.

Data from a national survey of Veterans Health Administration specialists indicate that referral templates may improve the appropriateness, clarity, and completeness of primary care–specialty care referrals.

Longer primary care wait times were associated with small increases in glycated hemoglobin levels. Diabetes care quality improvement strategies should consider timely access to care.