Dr Gabbay Explains Coordination of Care Barriers Between Primary Care Physicians and Specialists

The largest and perhaps most noticeable barrier standing between a successful collaboration of primary care physicians and specialists is the lack of communication, says Robert A. Gabbay, MD, PhD, chief medical officer and senior vice president of Joslin Diabetes Center.

Dr Gabbay explains that primary care physicians and specialists do not talk to each like they used to before the Internet and electronic health systems came along; and not to mention, he adds that the various types of electronic health systems make communication even more so difficult.

“There’s a big disconnect and I think within an integrated system, it’s a lot easier if you’re sharing electronic health records,” he adds. “That makes it simpler.”