Providing Virtual Care Through Telemedicine

The healthcare landscape is changing daily; payors are increasingly looking for evidence that the care they are paying for is of measurable quality and of the highest value (quality/cost), and patients are focused on cost (due to benefit programs that have increased out-of-pocket obligations) and access. 

One relatively new twist in provider access is the use of telemedicine, both for online visits and for provider-to-provider consultations designed to avoid unnecessary visits (and long waits for care) to specialists. Contrary to many of our instincts about patient loyalty and the expectation to see a real person, many of our own patients are using telemedicine, and some of our providers will soon begin piloting participation in this new care delivery model. 

For more information about how these trends are developing, please click here to read an Advisory Board blog on this topic.