Telehealth Success: Solutions to Telehealth Adoption

Telehealth has brought sweeping improvements to healthcare for clinicians and patients.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, millions of clinicians were thrust into using telehealth. While some healthcare providers adapted well, many find themselves wrestling with the challenges of telehealth.?

Despite the widespread adoption of telehealth, it’s not perfect … yet.?

But there are very clear ways for healthcare providers to overcome these challenges.

Five Top Barriers—and Solutions to Telehealth Adoption

Here are five factors to keep your programs running smoothly:

1. Connectivity?

Millions of patients either don’t have access to high-speed internet or cannot afford to pay for internet connectivity. According to the Pew Research Center, about 24% of rural Americans lack access to home broadband.?

However, here are some ways these issues are improving:?

• Access. The U.S. Department of Agriculture is investing $401 million to increase access to broadband internet to rural households and businesses across 11 states.?
• Device discounts. The Federal Communications Commission’s Affordable Connectivity Program provides eligible households a one-time discount of $100 for computers or tablets.?
• Help with the internet bill. The program also allows eligible households to receive $30 discounts on monthly internet bills, and $75 for qualifying Tribal lands.

2. Multi-state Licensure

The licensure process across multiple states can be complex. These are just a few options that have emerged to potentially untangle the complexities of multi-state licensure:?

• Licensure compacts. Participating in interstate licensure compacts can streamline the process and allow you to hold a single license recognized in participating states.
• Credentialing organizations. Collaborating with credentialing organizations can provide you with expert guidance with identifying licensure requirements, application forms, and other necessary documentation.

3. Privacy

Patient health information (PHI) privacy and security are paramount in healthcare information systems.

Consider the following PHI factors when selecting telehealth platforms:

• Artificial intelligence (AI). Some platforms use patient data to train AI learning models, while others like Doxy.me do not. Pay close attention to the terms of service.
• Encryption. Look for a platform that encrypts all data exchanges. Some platforms require patients to create accounts or use personal information identifiers. But any PHI exchanged in a provider-patient interaction should not be used without the informed consent.?
• Verified protection. The platform should be compliant with HIPAA, SOC 2 Type 2, and other industry standards for privacy and security.????

4. Patient Exams

Telehealth can be an effective alternative to in-person visits to manage a wide variety of health conditions:?

• Primary care. Integrating telehealth can be a pathway to free up time to see more patients—and patients agree. A McKinsey report revealed that 55% of patients thought telehealth offered a higher quality of care than in-office visits.
• Remote patient monitoring. Telehealth enables you to monitor patients and help them manage chronic diseases and medications.??

5. Reimbursement

Reimbursement for telehealth services varies widely among private insurance plans and by state. So both patients and providers should stay up-to-date on reimbursement rates for telehealth because they may determine the services available.

Regardless, consider the following:

• Communication is key. Be transparent about potential costs. Clearly explain whether a call or email received from your patient is billable.?
• Insurance networks. Joining insurance networks with favorable telehealth reimbursement rates can can streamline billing procedures.

Those are just a few solutions to common barriers to telehealth adoption. But as telehealth will continue to play a pivotal role in healthcare, it is critical to stay informed.

Learn more about telehealth best practices in our book, “Telehealth Success. How to Thrive in the New Age of Remote Care.”

For further information on telehealth reimbursement at the state and federal levels, visit our Help Center at https://help.doxy.me/en/collections/3224157-reimbursement.