Patients Love Telehealth, and Physicians Not Always.
Introduction
Telehealth is no longer considered the pandemic option/solution for "safer" patient care. Surveys indicate a strong patient preference for telehealth, and studies suggest that around 90% of patients report satisfaction with telehealth and a desire to continue using it.
While some doctors appreciate the benefits, physician preference for telehealth is less clear-cut. Surveys show that around 68% of doctors would like to use telehealth more often. However, only around 36% find it more convenient than in-person visits for themselves.
Why? According to these surveys, physicians usually see telehealth as most suitable for specific situations, like chronic condition management or follow-up visits, rather than a blanket replacement for in-person care. Plus, implementing telehealth requires workflow adjustments and documentation for doctors.
To stay competitive, modern medical practices must offer telehealth. Let's investigate how to close the gap and find the right balance between convenience and quality of care.
For Patients
Education
Help your patients understand when telehealth is appropriate and what its limitations are. Inform them about the types of conditions telehealth can effectively manage and when an in-person visit will be necessary.
Technology Training
Offer patients essential training on how to use your telehealth platforms. Usually, the software vendor has some video tutorials readily available. This includes navigating the interface, testing audio and video, and uploading necessary information beforehand.
For Physicians, Let's Identify Some Key Advantages
Accessibility
Telehealth bridges the gap for patients in remote or underserved areas, ensuring they receive timely and efficient care. For instance, a patient living in a rural area can consult with a specialist hundreds of miles away without traveling.
Convenience
Both patients and physicians save time on commuting, and appointments can often be scheduled with greater flexibility. A case in point is a busy professional who can have a follow-up appointment during a lunch break without leaving the office.
Continuity of Care
For chronic disease management, telehealth offers a consistent and reliable means of maintaining continuity of care. Patients with diabetes can have regular check-ins and adjustments to their treatment plans without frequent office visits.
Tips To Implementing Telehealth in a Private Practice
Choosing the Right Platform
Selecting the right telehealth platform is crucial. Consider the following tips:
User-Friendly Interface: The platform should be easy to navigate for both staff and patients.
Integration Capabilities: Ensure it integrates seamlessly with existing practice management software and electronic health records (EHR).
Security Features: Prioritize platforms that offer robust security measures to protect patient data.
Customer Service: It is imperative to ask your potential vendor about their policies and infrastructure to assist if anything happens to the platform, such as immediate assistance on 7/24, and clarify how you will communicate with them (chat, phone, email, facetime, etc.).
Legal and Compliance Considerations
Adhering to legal and regulatory requirements is paramount. Ensure the telehealth platform complies with HIPAA and state-specific regulations. This includes secure data transmission and storage, patient consent protocols, and proper documentation.
Training and Adaptation
As mentioned, effective telehealth implementation requires training both staff and patients. Develop comprehensive training programs to familiarize everyone with the new system. Create easy-to-follow guides and provide ongoing support to address any issues.
Challenges and Solutions
Technological Barriers
Common technological issues include poor internet connectivity and lack of access to necessary devices. Your telehealth system must have apps readily available (Android and Apple) to be used from your patient's phone or tablet.
Reimbursement Issues
Navigating the reimbursement landscape for telehealth services can be challenging. Stay informed about the latest policies from Medicare, Medicaid, and private insurers. Advocate for clear guidelines and fair reimbursement rates.
Patient Engagement
Keeping patients engaged with telehealth requires consistent communication and education. Utilize multiple channels to remind patients of their appointments and educate them on the benefits of telehealth – when appropriate. Personalize the experience to make patients feel comfortable and valued.
Practicing Telemedicine Across State Lines.
The primary regulatory hurdle for telemedicine across state lines is state licensure. In the United States, medical practices are regulated at the state level, meaning that physicians and PAs must be licensed in each state where their patients are located.
The following information is for reference only and might not be 100% accurate.
Telemedicine-Specific Licenses
Some states offer special telemedicine licenses that are less comprehensive than full licenses but still allow providers to offer remote services. These licenses may have different requirements and limitations.
For example, looking into this topic a bit closer, I found that states like Arizona, Florida, Maryland, Minnesota, New Mexico, Texas, and Nevada offer telemedicine registration for out-of-state providers. This usually requires providers to be licensed in their home state and in good standing.
Interstate Medical Licensure Compact (IMLC)
The IMLC is an agreement among participating states to streamline the licensing process for physicians who wish to practice in multiple states. Physicians from member states can apply for expedited licensure in other member states.
I found that the following states allow for an expedited licensure process for physicians through the IMLC, facilitating the practice of telemedicine across state lines: Alabama, Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District of Columbia, Guam.
Other Telehealth Choices
An example of other ways to offer telehealth is independent companies like Teladoc, which has a network of board-certified physicians specifically credentialed and vetted to work within their platform. These doctors may be employed directly by Teladoc or work as independent contractors.
Future of Telehealth
Artificial Intelligence can make telehealth more effective and accessible by enhancing diagnostic capabilities, personalizing treatment plans, and improving patient engagement and remote monitoring.
As the technology evolves, addressing ethical and regulatory challenges will be essential to realizing the full potential of AI-driven telehealth.