As we look back on the lockdown phase of the COVID-19 pandemic, we learned that telehealth is a legitimate, safe, high-quality mode of care delivery for a number of clinical applications. Before 2020, most telehealth interactions fit into the category known as virtual urgent care, representing 0.19% of all health insurance claims. But since 2021, …
A Prescription is a Prescription No Matter Where It Comes From Read More »
When I started in this business in the mid-’90s, the idea that we could deliver high-quality care with the patient and clinician in different places was viewed, almost universally, with great suspicion. Those of us who embraced that vision put lots of effort into research that showed how virtual care delivery was of similar or …
I read a study (in a reputable journal) this week, with the title, “Video Telemedicine Experiences In COVID-19 Were Positive, But Physicians And Patients Prefer In-Person Care For The Future.” Of course, this caught my eye. My experience has been different. Patients consistently tell me how much they enjoy the convenience of receiving care via …
Disreputable, online pharmacies have been a thorn in the side of telehealth for a long time. Because both are internet-based transactions, they are often conflated, and some telehealth companies own their own pharmacy, so it is admittedly complicated. The main fear regarding online prescribing is that unscrupulous prescribers and pharmacies may be able to distribute …
In-person Requirements for Remote Prescribing of Controlled Substances: What Next? Read More »
In my last blog, I introduced the concept of evidence gathering and the different pace and varying mindset between innovators and early-stage companies and the scientific community, and some reasons why the rigor of quality evidence is preferred over common sense and real-world observation. I’ll summarize that here. Of course, you can read the long …
More Observations on the Need for Evidence to Support Digital Health Adoption Read More »
There has been much controversy in the lay press in the last six months or so regarding telehealth as a tool for addressing the behavioral health crisis. Much of the conversation has centered on whether a video consultation with a behavioral health provider is of sufficient quality to allow decision-making regarding prescribing psychiatric medications. There’s …
Five Ways Telehealth is Better Than In-Person Care Despite the hubbub around telehealth for the past 2+ years, I still hear providers (and some patients) talking about it in absolutes. Some unattributed quotes: “My patients prefer to see me in person.” “I can’t make a diagnosis without the physical exam.” “Can the doctor take good …
Five Ways Telehealth is Better Than In-Person Care Read More »
Every sailor knows of that dreaded spot where the wind dies, the sail goes slack, and the boat starts bobbing back and forth – the doldrums. As I reflect on the ups and downs of telehealth over the past two years, the analogy seems apt to me. In June of 2020, we were riding the …
Moving Telehealth Out of the Post-COVID Doldrums Read More »
Dealing with COVID-19 has been a true game of whack-a-mole for all healthcare stakeholders. Here in the U.S., so much of telehealth’s penetration into care delivery is dependent on the state of the public health emergency, during which flexibilities put in place by the Administration have enabled utilization through generous reimbursement. On March 15, President …
Planning for the Next Phase of Telehealth: Scenarios Read More »
I am privileged as a regular contributor to a local executive education course in healthcare innovation. I give these talks 4-5 times per year, and it has been fascinating over the last 18 months to see how the questions that come from audience members have changed. The individuals that participate in this course are all …
Artificial Intelligence: A Clinician’s Friend or Foe? Read More »