How You Can Easily Start Your Own Telemedicine Program Today
Telemedicine programs are growing in popularity, especially as technology improves and it becomes more affordable to implement these programs. If your practice doesn’t offer telemedicine options, it may fall behind competition that does.
You can launch a program quickly if you follow the right steps. Here are simple ways to get started.
1. Check the Laws in Your State To Start Telemedicine
As telemedicine has grown, the laws surrounding it have become more flexible. The Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act, which was unveiled in October of 2008, is one notable example that allowed physicians practicing telemedicine to prescribe medications to their patients.[1]
It’s important to check the laws before you start telemedicine, especially those specific to your state, before you launch your program. Some states, for example, require a physician to see the patient in person at least one time before the patient-provider relationship is established and medications can be prescribed.[1] You also should check what the reimbursement laws are for telemedicine in your state.
2. Set Up a Telemedicine Team
You don’t want your attempts at telemedicine to stall halfway, but this can often happen if you don’t have someone leading the project and driving it forward. Assign a few people to be on your practice’s telemedicine setup team.
This team will coordinate your program and handle implementation. Designate one of your team members as the lead who is responsible for bringing the project to completion.
3. Choose a Technology Provider
There are many different telemedicine technology options on the market, and choosing the right one is integral to your program’s success. Put together a list of what your goals are with telemedicine and what features you need from the technology you select.
Keep your existing technology in mind when you’re looking for telemedicine technology. You’ll have the most success if you find telemedicine technology that fits in with the technology you’re currently using.[2]
4. Promote Telemedicine to Your Patients
When you’re launching your telemedicine program, you won’t have much success if no one knows about it besides your telemedicine team. Keep your entire staff up to date regarding the status of the program, including when it will be ready.
Educate your staff on the benefits of telemedicine for patients at your practice. They can then relay this information to your patients. Marketing is essential to ensure that your program isn’t just a waste of resources. Consider putting flyers up around the office advertising the program as well.
5. Get Feedback From Your Patients and Staff
The best way to figure out what is and isn’t working with your program is to ask the people who are using it. There are different methods to gather feedback from patients and staff about telemedicine at your practice.
The most effective method is typically the use of surveys that include both multiple-choice questions and suggestion fields. You’ll get plenty of information this way, and you’ll have it in an easy-to-read format. A more informal route is simply asking patients and staff about the program. You may get more information this way, but it’s more difficult to track.
Getting started with telemedicine can be a huge benefit for both your practice and your patients. Plan the launch of your program and take your time with each step. Once it’s ready to go, promote it and get feedback to keep that momentum going.
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References
[1] https://www.telehealthresourcecenter.org/toolbox-module/telehealth-and-prescribing
[2] https://chironhealth.com/blog/telemedicine-technology-5-questions-to-ask/