In this series we are seeking out the transforming technology of Virtual Care. How does virtual care fit into what we know as telemedicine? What are the newest innovations and products in virtual care? For telemedicine policy and reimbursement issues, read our regular reporting on Telehealth on RCM Answers.
It can be difficult for seniors to get to the doctor. Using innovative technology that enables remote services would expand access to care and create more opportunities for patients to connect with their physicians quickly. #StrengtheningMedicare https://t.co/bg8yjRCxgh pic.twitter.com/IjNp9a4C71
— Administrator Seema Verma (@SeemaCMS) July 12, 2018
Product News
Video Telebehavioral Health Service, One Touch Video Chat, Now Offered by UPIC Health
In response to the country’s mental health crisis and insights gained from more than 1M patient interactions annually, UPIC Health (@upichealth) is adding telebehavioral health services that can serve the most at-risk patients. One Touch Video Chat (@otvideochat) has partnered with UPIC Health to build the UPIC Video Connect mobile app and license their video telehealth platform.
InTouch Health and NTT DATA Enter into Collaborative Partnership to Provide Turnkey Virtual Care Solution
InTouch Health (@InTouchHealth), a virtual care telehealth platform, and NTT DATA Services, a provider of global technology services, announced a collaborative partnership to evolve the future of healthcare and care delivery. The two companies will provide a turnkey virtual care solution that enables healthcare organizations to expand access to healthcare services, optimize care delivery, and reduce costs.
Capital BlueCross Launches New Virtual Care App and Expands Telehealth Access for Behavioral Health Services
In its continued effort to provide convenient, affordable access to healthcare, Capital BlueCross (@capbluecross) launched a new and expanded Virtual Care app. The app allows members to visit a physician at any time, via their smart phone, computer or tablet. The benefit is available in partnership with American Well (Amwell).
To Read:
From the Orion Health Blog
Why a partnership between telehealth and integration is important – Telehealth is one of the fastest growing areas of healthcare and behavioral health is the latest specialty to use it to achieve better clinical outcomes, increased patient satisfaction, better resource utilization, and lower costs.
From the Zipnosis Blog
Take the Survey – 3 Reasons to Benchmark Your On-Demand Virtual Care Program – Healthcare in the U.S. is a rapidly-shifting, highly demanding industry. From the shift toward value-based care to the quadruple aim to the dense regulatory landscape, health systems are repeatedly faced with thorny issues and complex challenges. Healthcare organizations deploying virtual care meet similar objectives and obstacles, but are doing so without the body of data and benchmarks available for other care delivery channels.
From the Synzi Blog
Aging in Place via Virtual Care – The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines aging in place as “the ability to live in one’s own home and community safely, independently and comfortably, regardless of age, income or ability level.” According to AARP, 87% of adults age 65+ want to stay in their current home and community as they age. Although older adults hope to successfully age in place, they face the realities of living with one or more chronic conditions while living on their own.
Upcoming Events:
What: 2018 Virtual Health Care Summit
When: July 30 – August 1, 2018
Where: Boston MA
Hashtag: #VHC18
Join experts, innovators, movers and shakers at the Virtual Health Care Summit as they unpack the digital transformation taking place in health care today. Walk away energized and motivated, armed with critical takeaways, new ideas, and best practices to expand and scale virtual health in your organization.
SPS 2018
What: Telemedicine & Telehealth Service Provider Summit (SPS)
When: October 8-9, 2018
Where: Glendale, AZ
Join us for the 4th Annual Telemedicine & Telehealth Service Provider Summit this October 8th & 9th in Glendale, Arizona!
Visit https://t.co/oUgsx0W8vy for comprehensive event information & register today!#Telemedicine #Telehealth #Summit #Glendale #Arizona #JoinUs #TTSPS2018 pic.twitter.com/26buEkXXOI— Arizona Telemedicine Program (@UA_ATP) April 4, 2018
Defining the industry according to the AAPF
Telemedicine is the practice of medicine using technology to deliver care at a distance. It occurs using a telecommunications infrastructure between a patient (at an originating or spoke site) and a physician or other practitioner licensed to practice medicine (at a distant or hub site).
Telehealth refers to a broad collection of electronic and telecommunications technologies that support health care delivery and services from distant locations. Telehealth technologies support virtual medical, health, and education services.
Virtual Care is a patient service model for healthcare providers.