Virtual Visits Rising
Telehealth in 2020 looks vastly different than anyone anticipated – the utilization of these services has soared with the COVID-19 pandemic. Utilization of these services has exploded, with a $3 billion dollar industry transforming into a $250 billion dollar industry almost overnight. In 2019, 11% of patients used telehealth, and in 2020 at least 46% of patients are using telemedicine services. Physicians were at varying stages of readiness, and some struggled to keep up with demand for new technology.
The good news? 57% of providers view telehealth and its capabilities more positively than prior to COVID-19. 64% state they are comfortable using the technology. CMS has now allowed more than 80 new services to be conducted via telehealth – everything from mental health appointments to dermatology! It is safe to say that this method of providing care is an important part of the future, and physicians will need the right tools and skills to grow.
Get the Tools
Novomedici has integrated telemedicine tools from the ground up, so no last-minute add-ons here! Innovative, cloud-based features allow providers the ability to see patients virtually, via computer or mobile device. Chronic care management and acute appointments alike can now be handled via a virtual connection.
Advantages:
- Fewer missed appointments
- Better preventative care
- Increased healthcare accessibility for those in rural areas
- Less patient time away from jobs to attend appointments – attend from wherever you are!
- Less risk of exposure to other illnesses while in the clinic
- Telehealth peripherals – devices used at home to monitor vital signs, weight, or blood glucose – can provide early signs of worsening condition.
- Less wait times for appointments – better patient satisfaction.
Get the Skills
Physicians using telemedicine software have even coined a new term – webside manner! Adapting your usual assessment and communication skills to a web platform is important. These are some webside manner best practices to follow:
- Before the visit, log onto technology and troubleshoot
- Choose a quiet place to conduct the visit.
- Account for the time needed for the call – no pressing appointments.
- Keep the focus on the patient by minimizing distractions such as phones and pages.
- Mute your computer when typing notes or the patient is speaking
- Don’t fidget or make distracting noises.
- Lean forward as if you were listening in person
- Break the ice – start by introducing yourself!
- Give clear patient cues – nod your head, affirm that you understand.
- Repeat back the patient’s concerns and answer questions.
- Summarize the visit, then discuss next steps.
Next Steps
With these soft skills in place, and the modern toolkit provided by Novomedici, you are poised to take advantage of this important telehealth surge. For more information about the cloud-based Novomedici EMR system and a demo, please visit contact us here. Find out about telemedicine tools and SO much more!