After months of treating patients through Telehealth, we now have a clearer idea of how to treat patients electronically. Given the new normal, we have learned that each patient visit is unique. Patients can be seen for symptom triage, care for chronic conditions, lab results, lifestyle management, post-operative treatments, treatment protocols, behavioral health, group education consults, after-hours care, and more. Telehealth is a bit different from the picture to the right from 1954, but as technology evolves, we’re essentially moving in that direction.
The American Medical Association (AMA), describes telehealth between patients and clinicians as:
1. Asynchronous text and photo exchanges through patient portals, health system apps, or website chat features.
2. Synchronous audio and video appointments through telehealth platforms, apps, or in-clinic technologies.
According to Dr. Sarita Nori Dermatology at Harvard Vanguard Medical Associates, “Implementing a telehealth program is a winding road at first. It takes a bit of patience and flexibility, but it’s well worth it, and the end of the road is satisfying for all involved.”
Establishing a telehealth workflow for your practice may be significant and timely, so at OSIS we have compiled a comprehensive list to advance telehealth visits for providers and care team members. Patients may initially be reluctant to schedule a telehealth visit if they are unfamiliar with the technology or fear telehealth visits lack professional standards. It is important that patients feel comforted and physicians portray the same bedside manner as an in-office visit.
The list below is not comprehensive, but rather some key considerations when preparing for telehealth visits.
First Steps:
Setting Up Your Environment:
Equipment Set Up
Patient Preparation
Office Visit Communication Best Practices
Each health care organization is unique and will need to consider circumstances and availability for administering their own telehealth services.
Resources: Department of Health and Human Services
American Medical Association, Telehealth Implementation Playbook