Telemedicine provides a convenient option for providers and their patients. Telemedicine allows providers to see more patients in a shorter amount of time. It also reduces no-show rates, improves outcomes, enables early detection of a wide range of diseases, and increases the quality of care providers are able to give. With so many benefits, it should come as no surprise that healthcare providers around the world are starting to offer telehealth solutions to their clients.
Despite the increasing demand from patients and interest from doctors, many providers still aren’t sure how to get started. Although they’ve heard that telemedicine can reduce costs and increase productivity, many think of telehealth visits as simple symptom-based video exams. Confusing the issue even more, several providers also believe that telehealth technology will only complicate the patient/provider exam process.
Fortunately, most providers and patients find telemedicine solutions extremely easy to use. In fact, it usually takes little to no time for providers and patients to connect through telehealth software. Also, the telemedicine solutions available today offer greater flexibility and tools, allowing providers to offer evidence-based care for a wide range of conditions.
Identify Telehealth Goals
Prior to implementing a telehealth solution, providers should identify the goals they’d like to achieve. Although individual goals may vary from practice to practice, most providers want to grow their practice and increase access to care. Other common goals include reducing no-show rates, improving quality metrics, saving time, and increasing revenue.
Explore Telemedicine Options
Depending on the needs and goals of the practice, providers can utilize a wide range of tools. Telemedicine solutions include everything from simple video calls to integrated and interactive devices used to monitor patients or securely transmit medical information electronically while remaining compliant with HIPAA rules and regulations.
Research Reimbursement for Telemedicine Services
Different insurance plans have different policies regarding reimbursement for telehealth services. Healthcare providers are strongly encouraged to learn as much as they can from the healthcare plans they participate in about coverage for various procedures.
Understand How the Telemedicine Program Will Integrate With Existing Networks
Before implementation, healthcare providers should learn how the telemedicine program will integrate with existing systems. Providers should discuss any concerns with their IT team.
Locate a HIPAA-Compliant Telehealth Platform
Healthcare providers must take care when selecting a telehealth platform to ensure patient health information is safe and protected.
Test the System
Following implementation of a telemedicine solution, it’s important that providers practice using the system and interacting with clients. These test runs not only help staff feel more