I read this interesting article today from Forbes. The writers, Gary Price M.D. and Tim Norbeck outline the promises of how telemedicine services will help in the future but also explain some of the reasons people are abandoning it now or not even starting yet.  The promises have been documented on this site and others extensively, but these are a few of the reasons why people aren’t ready to commit quite yet.

1. Providers are finding it very hard to get paid.  This is tough for sure.  Every state has different laws regarding whether or not Medicaid will pay for the session and how much.  It seems that some insurance companies will pay for some services and some won’t without any real explanation.  With our research and experiences providing software in all 50 states, we can help you navigate through the confusion.  For many of our customers, we provide more than just software, but we act as a “consultant” to help them be sure that they have a successful Telehealth practice.  Even of you’re not a client, please contact us below or give us a call.  We often find that we learn from each other when discussing the latest in the Medical Technology industry.
2. Providers and Health organizations are concerned about Privacy.  We take this very seriously, Secure Telehealth software does not store any health information.  Providers and Health organizations continue to use their own EHR and scheduling software. This makes a telehealth session get treated exactly the same as an in person session which already has security protocols in place.  We understand HIPAA and will sign a Business Associate Agreement with the clients which allows us to provide the software and offer technical support.
3. Another obstacle, not specifically mentioned in the article, is that people are afraid of the technology. They could think that it would be too complicated or they give up because there are too many technical problems.  At Secure Telehealth, we take care of the technology so you can focus on helping people.  At no additional cost, We will assist in setting up each location and train all of the providers and presenting nurses.  Even when providers or patients are in their own homes we can test their system so that everyone can be confident that the meetings will be go smoothly.  Lastly, even if we haven taken all precautions, sometimes something still goes wrong, A computer is muted, or there was a software update, or an operating system changes or one of any number of other technical problems occur and we will answer the phone and help you right away so that a session is not missed.

The Health care Revolution is coming, I hope nothing is holding you back.

 

Experts Say “Great Execution” is required in order to make telehealth work. Read below how several Secure Telehealth Customers are executing telehealth programs successfully.

Jon Day is the executive director of Blue Valley Behavioral Health in Nebraska, While using Secure Telehealth, they have grown into the largest psychiatric provider in Nebraska.

“With any new service delivery system, it needs to be implemented wisely and having a particular strategy driving it. Secure Telehealth has allowed us to increase the number of clients we see, expand services, provide services in new environments, increase the productivity of our staff and increase our overall revenue.”

For more from Blue Valley, click here

Annie Mills is the Director of Nursing for New Oakland Family Services with 9 locations in and around Detroit, Michigan. New Oakland has been using Secure Telehealth to provide telehealth software for over two years. She and her providers have seen tremendous benefit to their organization by utilizing the telehealth software. Please take a second and read some of the reviews from their providers and please contact us if you think we can be of assistance in a similar way.

Specialty care without waiting – “Telehealth improves access to care for patients that would otherwise have to wait or not be able to receive specialty care. I can service my pediatric consumers and those in need of addiction care with much less wait periods.”

A better environment for many mental health patients – “Patients who are shy or nervous, but comfortable and familiar with gaming and interacting in a digital fashion, feel more relaxed. It can be intimidating for many people to be in a doctor’s office and they may feel too overwhelmed by the circumstance to reveal their real thoughts. But, sitting in a room by themselves gives them their own territory and personal space. “

 

Adam Raulerson from the Laurelwood Hospital in the Northeast Georgia Health System

“We have used Secure Telehealth for 6 years now…very user friendly and effective for our use. It is User friendly for both my staff and the remote hospitals we support. Secure Telehealth requires minimal to no IT support. I installed and I test the equipment/software monthly. It is Cost effective. The most affordable product that meets our needs. Initially, there seemed to be upgrades way too often. That has changed and less upgrades are required.”

“We have seen Increased timely access for patient care and Reduction in overall cost of providing our services.”

Dr, James Greenblatt from Walden Behavioral Health in Massachusetts shares how Secure Telehealth has helped his practice grow.

Secure Telehealth was the “easy option and the best way to get started and maintain lower cost and investment as we grew our programs”

“I was skeptical as a Psychiatrist of what kind of relationship you can have with a patient – would they be honest? Would they be able to read nonverbal cues? And I really feel that I can provide a good assessment – Everything from empathy to emotions and tears to a comprehensive exam is definitely do-able in Telehealth”