Determine the type of telemedicine service to deliver
There are three main types of telehealth services you can delve into, each with its own benefits and disadvantages. The first is a synchronous practice, which refers to delivering health information in real-time. This allows for a clearer exchange between provider and patient. Another type of telehealth practice is asynchronous care, which involves the patient uploading their health data via an app or digital platform. This eliminates the need for video conferencing tools, which can be a hurdle for some patients. Lastly, you have remote patient monitoring, which entails continuous evaluation through a combination of synchronous and asynchronous means. Choosing the type of telehealth service is a crucial step that will inform your entire business plan.
Arrange the necessary technological infrastructure
To set up a virtual healthcare practice, you must also look into technological partners who can help you deliver a quality service. You’ll want telehealth vendors who offer tech support for both you and your patients. In addition, ensure they comply with federal regulations, offer a high-level of data security, and provide enough customization features to suit your needs. For instance, MD Revolution offers not just a digital care management platform, but also remote patient monitoring devices like thermo-readers and pendant sensors that are compatible with this platform. Such services make it easier to focus on providing the best patient care you can.
Train your team to handle a virtual platform
A robust technological infrastructure is only half of the battle; you’ll also need capable staff to handle software and other digital tools to make the most out of telemedicine. Therefore, it is worth considering hiring healthcare professionals who know their way around digital spaces and devices. One thing you can consider is tapping into online healthcare degree graduates. After all, they already have a proven track record in working independently and collaborating digitally. Many even have specializations that will definitely add value to your team, such as nursing informatics experts with online RN to BSN degrees. They’re ideal for virtual care settings, as they have in-depth knowledge in studying patient data and communication technologies.
On top of this, some care management platforms like MD Revolution can also run their system on behalf of your practice to help you save on costs. All they would need is general supervision from you — freeing you up to do other high-value tasks. This ensures that your telemedicine business is more equipped to handle any hurdles it may have to overcome in the future.
Read up on state and federal telemedicine laws
Out of the 50 states in America, only 22 maintain laws regarding telehealth reimbursement. Meanwhile, only 14 offer true “payment parity,” according to law firm Foley & Lardner. Aside from reimbursement, different states also have various laws regarding e-prescription. Today, lawmakers are looking to pass legislation to make telehealth-related laws more consistent. For instance, a bill aimed at expanding and supporting telehealth coverage has been reintroduced in Congress, which also addresses racial and geographical discrepancies in telehealth services. But despite COVID-19 softening telemedicine restrictions, it’s still important to familiarize yourself with them to avoid any legal repercussions.
Telemedicine has been a great boon throughout the pandemic, and the public has witnessed how useful it can truly be. Before investing in a telemedicine business, remember to take into account the points listed above to set yourself up for success.
