The world is constantly evolving and the health sector is evolving along with it—the increased use of telehealth and telemedicine is expected to continue to grow as technology advances.
If you’d like to join the moving train, this article will help you get started.
Telemedicine and telehealth have already been around since the 1950s but it was not until recent years that its use started to increase—It took the COVID-19 pandemic to propel it forward in a big way. Today, the use of virtual care has gone far beyond the need to increase access to healthcare services for patients in remote or underserved areas. It has expanded in usage, as patients and healthcare providers now use it in place of in-person visits.
Especially for healthcare facilities wanting to become telemedicine providers, the market cap is quite encouraging. In 2020, the global telemedicine market size was valued at USD 70.4 billion by Grand View and is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 19% from 2021 to 2030.¹ Although these figures are appealing, there is more. Many patients use the availability of virtual care as a factor in deciding whether or not to use a particular healthcare facility. According to a survey by Sage Growth Partner (SGP) and Black Book Market Research, 33% of respondents said they would leave their current physician for a provider who offered virtual care.²
Before the pandemic, you probably had no idea about the good telemedicine and telehealth could do for your healthcare facility. Or perhaps you did but didn’t think it was a real necessity. However, with the growing impact of virtual care, here are four reasons why you may want to include telemedicine and telehealth in your healthcare facility:
Here are some areas you may need to pay attention to if you want to make the most out of technology in health:
Considering the value that can be enjoyed via the adoption of telemedicine and telehealth, there’s no better time to start than now. The following includes tips to help you get started:
Before diving into the implementation process, it’s crucial to define the purpose and scope of digital care. This involves deciding the specific services to offer, the target audience, and the expected outcomes. Telemedicine and telehealth services range from virtual consultations to remote monitoring, and follow-up care, among others. By defining the purpose and scope, you can tailor your services to meet the needs of patients.
To provide telemedicine and telehealth services, you’ll need to have the appropriate technology in place, such as a secure video conferencing platform, electronic health records (EHRs), and a reliable internet connection. There are many telehealth platforms and vendors available, each with its features and pricing. Researching the different options and finding the one that best meets your needs is a good first step.
However, when choosing a telehealth platform, it is important to ensure that it is Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)-compliant to protect patient privacy and confidential information. Usually, HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms will offer features such as encryption, access controls, audit trails, data backup and recovery, secure messaging, and a privacy policy.
Some examples of HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms include:
Telemedicine and telehealth are subject to various regulations and requirements, including privacy and security laws, licensure and credentialing rules, and reimbursement policies. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these regulations and ensure that your telemedicine and telehealth practices comply with them.
If you are licensed to practice in a particular state, you can usually provide telemedicine and telehealth services to patients located in that state. However, if you want to provide services to patients in another state, you may need to obtain a license to practice in that state or comply with the state’s telemedicine and telehealth regulations.
Some states have enacted legislation that allows healthcare providers to provide telehealth services to patients in other states, while others require healthcare providers to obtain a separate license to practice in their state. Additionally, some states may have different requirements for different types of healthcare providers, such as physicians.
Therefore, before providing telehealth services to patients in another state, it is important to research the laws and regulations in that state and ensure that you comply with all applicable rules and requirements.
Healthcare professionals must be proficient in using digital tools and platforms to deliver care effectively. They must understand the ethical and legal considerations of delivering virtual care and how to maintain patient privacy and data security. Patients must also be trained on how to use digital platforms to access care and understand the limitations and expectations of virtual care.
Getting into telemedicine and telehealth requires careful planning and execution. By following these actionable tips, healthcare facilities can successfully implement telemedicine and telehealth programs that improve patient outcomes, reduce costs, and expand access to care.
Navigating technological advancements can be complicated without the right assistance. As an employer in healthcare, you already know the importance of providing top-quality care to your patients. But to do that, you need a team of skilled and dedicated healthcare professionals who share your passion for improving patient outcomes.
At PRS global, we’re committed to connecting you with the best healthcare professionals available, so you can focus on other crucial matters. Unlike agencies that charge you high hourly rates or ongoing residuals, we charge you a one-time placement fee for each qualified Registered Nurse provided to help you keep your costs low.
If you’re ready to take your team to the next level, contact us today and let us help you find the perfect healthcare professional for your needs.