Virtually Healthy: We examine how to build a Virtual Clinic within a Startup Company

Starting A Virtual Clinic?

The intersection of healthcare and technology has ushered in a new era of healthcare delivery. Digital health startups are no longer just vendors; they are becoming providers, establishing virtual health systems to meet the evolving needs of patients and practitioners. In today’s installment of “Virtually Health” we dive into the steps involved in setting up a virtual health system within a tech startup, while highlighting the crucial roles of key personnel and the hiring process.

Embracing the Evolution:

Digital health startups are embracing a transformative shift from being solution providers to becoming direct healthcare providers. With the pandemic elongating sales cycles for non-essential solutions, startups are recognizing the need to directly engage with patients through virtual healthcare.?

Navigating Provider Challenges:

The journey from vendor to provider is not without its challenges. Convincing care teams to adopt novel technologies presents hurdles, compounded by funding uncertainties and the integration of new solutions into current workflows. The transition to a virtual health system empowers startups to overcome these challenges and interact directly with patients, enhancing care accessibility.

Overcoming Systemic Hurdles:

One key challenge is EHRS. Investments in electronic health records (EHRs) often overshadow potential external solutions as many are not aligned with patient records. Healthcare systems frequently prioritize EHR adoption, even if more effective alternatives are available. The disconnect between decision-makers and end-users within healthcare systems further complicates introducing digital tools that cater to physicians' needs.

Harnessing the Power of Becoming Providers:

Transitioning into virtual providers opens up a realm of opportunities for startups. The shift enables customization of care delivery models, designed to cater to the nuances of 21st-century healthcare. This newfound flexibility liberates startups from conventional constraints and allows for innovative approaches to care.

This transition empowers startups to pioneer new payment mechanisms aligned with the shift from fee-for-service to value-based care. By becoming virtual providers, startups can drive the innovation of value-based care models, setting the pace for industry transformation.

Key Steps to Establishing a Virtual Clinic:

Evaluate Alignment: Assess whether becoming a virtual clinic aligns with the startup's mission and goals.

Expert Partnerships:?Collaborate with experienced professionals to manage provider operations effectively.

Build Infrastructure: Establish legal entities and qualifications for multi-state practice.

Compliance and Licensing: Understand licensing requirements across jurisdictions.

Vendor Selection:?Choose suitable partners for services like telemedicine networks and pharmacy prescribing.

Payment Strategies: Develop payment mechanisms, including payer contracts.

Quality Measurement: Implement reproducible clinical pathways and quality measurement tools.

System Integration: Select appropriate EHR systems and tools to support clinical operations.

Patient Outreach: Devise strategies for patient acquisition.

Enhance Experience:?Prioritize enhancing both patient and provider experiences.

Assembling the Dream Team:

For a successful transition, hiring the right personnel is paramount. Here are some key roles that startups need to consider:

Chief Medical Officer (CMO): A CMO plays a pivotal role in guiding the medical strategy and ensuring clinical excellence. They collaborate with the leadership team to align medical initiatives with the startup's goals, while maintaining compliance with regulations. A CMO provides clinical oversight, ensures quality care, and fosters relationships with medical professionals.

Clinical Operations Leader: This role is essential to kickstart the virtual clinic. The Clinical Operations Leader manages the day-to-day operations, ensuring smooth patient interactions and clinical workflows. They oversee staff, manage resources, and create efficient systems to deliver high-quality virtual care.

Physicians and Healthcare Professionals: Hiring physicians and healthcare professionals is at the heart of establishing a virtual health system. These professionals provide direct care to patients, ensuring accurate diagnoses and treatment plans while maintaining patient satisfaction.

As virtual health systems evolve, startups have the opportunity to explore various trajectories, including becoming fully integrated health plans or expanding into brick-and-mortar clinics. The challenge lies in managing networks, services, and functions while preserving quality and value.

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It is?essential to remember that we're all in this together – startups, healthcare pros, and patients alike. We're the driving force behind a new healthcare narrative that's breaking boundaries, reshaping care, and sparking a movement that'll echo for generations.

Til Next Time,?

Lissa?