In the pre-Covid-19 world, we often heard from physicians and decision-makers that telehealth implementation is difficult and time-consuming. Enter March 6, 2020, CMS telehealth waivers go into effect. Suddenly, digital solutions are the safest option to check-in with patients and one of the primary means to survive and move beyond the pandemic, and consumers respond.

According to FAIR Health’s Monthly Telehealth Regional Tracker:

From October 2019 to October 2020, telehealth claims increase 3,060% nationally.

There are many pieces of the telehealth puzzle, but arguably one of the most important ones is having the right team.

Lori Intravichit, CEO of Sunlit Cove Healthcare said:

Having the right people at the right places is the key to success to any digital implementation. If your team is not on board, even the best of technologies will go into the IT graveyard.

Whether you are just starting with telehealth or evaluating your telehealth infrastructure, we have compiled an essential checklist for building your telehealth personnel.

1. Identify telehealth opportunities and challenges within your physician’s practice or healthcare system.
2. Include perspectives from all departments; you might uncover unexpected roadblocks or push back. It will also make everyone feel included in such an important decision.
3. Anticipate barriers and pushbacks from all angles.
4. Set a timeline.
5. Define roles and responsibilities.
6. Distribute the workload accordingly within your existing staff.
7. Set reoccurring meetings and progress reports.
8. Continue to solicit input from your team.
9. Coordinate often with your implementation team, telehealth vendor, and IT department.
10. Verify that your existing digital infrastructure can handle the telehealth load.
11. Develop telehealth related clinical and operational procedures, guides, and manuals.
12. Schedule mandatory training.
13. Conduct a mock telehealth visit.
14. Don’t forget about the end-user of your new system, the patient.
15. Identify a support team that can help patients who may face difficulties setting up and effectively using your telehealth tools.
16. Integration of Electronic Medical Records (EMR) is a must.
17. Follow the HIPAA security rules.

Conclusion:
The great potential of digital health, including telehealth medicine, will continue to grow, and the technology will prove that we can create better outcomes for patients. However, without engaging the right people, the end result might be inequalities in care, increased risks, financial inefficiencies, and inconsistent patient outcomes. Not to mention the workflow disruption that goes along with the implementation. Ensuring that your telehealth infrastructure is successful and scalable is partnering with an experienced consulting team to evaluate your digital process. Sign up for a free, no-obligation process review, contact us or give us a call at (727) 278-3009 to get started

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Sunlit Cove Healthcare Consultants

We provide management and consulting services to help healthcare businesses run efficiently. Navigating the dynamic and complex revenue cycle management is a challenge for many health plans, health care vendors, and providers. Our consulting services are available to assist with your day-to-day operations and provide expertise in growth and change management. We manage all aspects of your enterprise from the development of the revenue cycle management process to the completion of your business cycle.

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