Telemedicine is an increasingly popular way for patients to get the medical care they need in a variety of situations. By offering telemedicine, you can extend your reach and make your services more accessible and convenient for a variety of patients. While it won’t work in every situation, telemedicine is a great tool that you should utilize and make work for your patients so you can help them when they need it.
Work Out Communication Platforms
Before you can effectively (and legally) have telemedicine at your clinic, you have to choose a platform to use. There are a variety of telemedicine platforms you can use that will meet your needs and comply with HIPAA when used appropriately. You want to make sure to choose a platform that is easy to use and that will make your medical practice simpler to run rather than more difficult. The more that a platform allows you to optimize for your own needs, the better you will be able to meet the needs of your patients and choose a layout that works for you as well.
Advertise Patient Options
If your patients don’t know what you offer, they won’t be able to use your telehealth services, so make sure to advertise that you have it available. Before you start advertising, it may be helpful to see what your patients currently prefer. Looking at the data can help you understand the demand for telemedicine services. The more you know about your patients and their needs, the better you will be able to promote your telemedicine services and reach the patients who most want and need that kind of care.
Figure Out How Telemedicine Will Work in Your Practice
One of the most important parts of transitioning to offer telemedicine in your practice is to figure out what you will and will not treat through that method. While telemedicine makes sense for a lot of situations and conditions, it isn’t always your best option. If a particular set of symptoms requires physical testing or a more in-depth exam, it may make more sense for your patients to come in and have a regular office visit. Deciding early what does or does not qualify for a telehealth visit can make scheduling much easier.
Telemedicine is an exciting tool that can make helping patients easier and more streamlined. If you make a plan, it can be a great asset for your office. Start working on your telehealth strategy today to harness the power of virtual visits!
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