Telehealth What is the current focus for developing telehealth services?
Slides:
View the October 26th Telehealth Care via Google Drive
View the October 26th Telehealth Care via Dropbox
- What is the current OHP focus for developing telehealth services?
- Who sets up the operational processes, medical or operations?
- What services have been most successful?
- What are the client company’s reactions to telehealth?
- Is the service a profitable one?
Video:
Telehealth has emerged as a game-changer in the healthcare industry, revolutionizing the way medical services are delivered. With the advancement of technology and the need for convenience and accessibility, telehealth has quickly gained popularity across various medical specialties. Occupational health programs are no exception to this trend. In this blog post, we will delve into the current focus of telehealth services in occupational health programs, the operational processes involved, and the success stories that have paved the way for a promising future.
The 39th NAOHP Town Hall:
During the 39th NAOHP Town Hall, Donnelly Gardner welcomed Jay Telavia, the CEO and co-founder of Care Nivea, a leading telehealth solutions company, to discuss the integration of telehealth in occupational health programs. The conversation shed light on the benefits, challenges, and the future potential of telehealth in this field.
Telehealth Defined:
Wikipedia defines telehealth as the distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. It encompasses a wide range of services, including long-distance patient and clinician contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and even remote admissions. The possibilities within the realm of telehealth are vast and constantly expanding.
Operational Processes and Integrations:
One of the key questions raised during the Town Hall was about the operational processes and integrations required when implementing telehealth in occupational health programs. Jay explained that with the advent of newer technologies and widespread access to high-speed internet and smartphones, the need for specialized equipment has significantly diminished. Instead, the focus has shifted towards integrating telehealth solutions with existing systems such as electronic health records (EHR) and practice management software. By seamlessly fitting into existing workflows and sharing data effortlessly, telehealth becomes a viable and efficient option for healthcare providers.
The Learning Curve and Best Practices:
While the adoption of telehealth brings numerous advantages, healthcare providers must navigate a learning curve to deliver quality care through this medium. Jay emphasized the importance of following best practices in telehealth consultations. Factors such as camera setup, lighting, and prior access to patient data contribute to the effectiveness of virtual visits. While it may not replicate the same experience as an in-person visit, incorporating these practices ensures a successful and satisfactory telehealth encounter.
Successful Telehealth Services in Occupational Health:
The success stories of telehealth services in occupational health programs are encouraging. Primary care, urgent care, low-acuity visits, and follow-ups have been particularly successful use cases in occupational telehealth. The benefits of convenience and time-saving for both providers and patients have been pivotal in driving the adoption of telehealth in these areas. By streamlining processes and integrating telehealth with existing systems, a significant increase in productivity has been observed.
Expanding Telehealth Services:
The possibilities for expanding telehealth services into various other areas are endless. For example, construction companies have shown interest in telehealth capabilities on job sites. While certain challenges arise from a lack of specialized occupational health providers, collaboration with experienced occupational health partners can bridge this gap. By adding skilled providers to the telehealth platform, occupational health programs can seamlessly cater to the specific needs of their clients and deliver high-quality services.
The Future of Telehealth:
The future of telehealth in occupational health programs looks promising. As patients continue to demand the inclusion of telehealth as a standard service, healthcare providers must view telehealth as a strategic initiative. Increased patient satisfaction, improved time management, and potential cost savings make telehealth an invaluable tool in healthcare delivery. As reimbursement policies evolve and policymakers emphasize the importance of telehealth, its profitability and impact will only grow further.
Telehealth is reshaping the landscape of healthcare delivery, and occupational health programs are embracing this transformation. It offers unparalleled convenience, accessibility, and efficiency. By following best practices, integrating telehealth with existing systems, and starting small while expanding strategically, occupational health programs can harness the full potential of telehealth. As technology continues to evolve and policymakers recognize the value of telehealth, the future holds promising opportunities for occupational telehealth services.
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