Curbside consult
Formal Definition
An informal, unofficial request for clinical advice from a colleague, without a formal note or formal transfer of care.
How It's Used on the Ward
"Let me run this by you curbside" — quick question, no formal consult call.
Example
""I'm having trouble with this patient's pain management. Can I ask you a curbside before I page anesthesia formally?""
Clinical Context
Curbsides are efficient and common. They're appropriate for straightforward questions. But they create no formal documentation — if you need a formal recommendation, call a real consult. The line between curbside and formal isn't always clear.
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