In this monthly series we are seeking out the latest developments around Telemedcine. How is telemedicine used to benefit patients and care givers? What are the newest innovations in telemedicine technology? How does telemedicine fit into the realm of virtual care? For virtual care industry news and information, read our regular reporting on Virtual Care on Health Data Answers.
Hashtags to follow for updates on telemedicine:
HIMSS19 Highlight – Dr. Dean Smith, CMIO of GlobalMed
On this HIMSS19 Highlight interview, Dr. Dean Smith talks about how telehealth is changing the healthcare landscape and why, as both a cost-saver and life-saver, telehealth is finally a leading topic of conversation at HIMSS.
In the News:
Sleep Health MD Integrates Rhinogram Telehealth Platform with Electronic Health Record System
Rhinogram (@rhinogram), a provider of cloud-based, HIPAA-compliant, telehealth solutions, announced the seamless integration of their telehealth solution with Sleep Health MD’s electronic health record (EHR). Through the Rhinogram text-based platform, the California-based sleep therapy specialists communicate with patients in real-time, giving the practice the ability to better engage with patients while improving the communications workflow of its staff.
Ochsner Health System Partners with Tyto Care to Expand Telehealth Offerings
Ochsner Health System (@OchsnerHealth) – a nationally-recognized healthcare system based in Louisiana – announced a new partnership with Tyto Care (@TytoCare) – the healthcare industry’s first all-in-one modular device and telehealth solution for on-demand, remote medical exams. This partnership expands Ochsner’s current telehealth offering, a consumer-facing virtual visit platform called Ochsner Anywhere Care, which is powered by national telehealth leader American Well®. Additionally, it marks the first time in the United States a healthcare system offers a telehealth solution with American Well, featuring a portable remote examination tool by Tyto Care.
Tyto Care Partners With Best Buy to Launch TytoHome, a First-of-its-kind Device That Conducts Medical Exams On-demand From Home
Tyto Care, creator of the health care industry’s first all-in-one modular device and telehealth platform for on-demand, remote medical exams, is partnering with Best Buy to make it easier and more convenient for customers to receive health care. Tyto Care’s TytoHome is now available exclusively on BestBuy.com for all customers and in select Minnesota Best Buy stores, with in-store availability coming soon in North Dakota, South Dakota, California and Ohio.
Teladoc Health to Develop First Pediatric-Specific Consumer Telehealth Platform with Cincinnati Children’s
Teladoc Health (@teladochealth), a virtual care provider, announced its collaboration with Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center (Cincinnati Children’s) to develop the industry’s first consumer pediatric telehealth platform. Cincinnati Children’s, ranked number two on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Best Children’s Hospitals, will bring their expertise to help evolve the Teladoc Health licensed platform for pediatric needs.
Doctor on Demand Works with Humana to Provide Virtual Doctor Visits with No Copay
This week, Doctor on Demand (@drondemand) and its health insurance partner Humana have announced the launch a new virtual care model known as On Hand. This new plan will allow members to access a primary care doctor virtually with no copay, further enhancing the convenience of telemedicine. The On Hand users will also have both urgent care providers and behavioral health clinicians available through this system.
We’re thrilled to announce our partnership with @Humana to launch On Hand™, the first virtual primary care plan of its kind. Learn more: https://t.co/OVm2tNw9v3 pic.twitter.com/HjwI7t0fGU
— Doctor On Demand (@drondemand) April 24, 2019
Converge2Xcelerate Announces 3rd Annual 2019 Innovation Ignition Competition
Partners in Digital Health, publishers of Blockchain in Healthcare Today and Telehealth and Medicine Today peer review journals, now endorsed by the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), is excited to announce its 3rd Annual 2019 Innovation Ignition Competition.
MDLIVE Launches CareLink, a New Product to Help Health Plans and Systems Enhance Quality Performance Ratings Through Telemedicine
MDLIVE Inc. (@MDLIVEInc) announced the launch of CareLink, a first-of-its-kind solution that enables health plans and systems to improve a variety of clinical quality metrics, including both HEDIS® scores and Star Ratings using MDLIVE providers and technologies. The result is better care for patients, improved outcomes and accurate reimbursement associated with these quality metrics.
To Read:
American Well: Physician telehealth usage up 340% since 2015
More physicians (22 percent) are starting to use telehealth services to see patients, which is an increase from 5 percent of physicians in 2015, according to an American Well survey. The Telehealth Index: 2019 Physician Survey asked 800 U.S. physicians about their thoughts on telehealth adoption. Survey results showed 69 percent of physicians said they are willing to use telehealth. While 22 percent of physicians said they already use the technology, more than half of survey participants said they are “very likely,” or “likely,” to start using telehealth by 2022.
In State News:
Arizona’s new telemedicine law expands coverage, adds platforms
Arizona legislators have enacted a new law that expands telehealth and telemedicine in the state and improves insurance coverage.
State lawmakers poised to expand telemedicine in New Hampshire
Lawmakers at the State House heard testimony on a bill on April 24 that would pave the way for an expansion of telemedicine in New Hampshire.
Telehealth bills up for debate in Florida Legislature could make it easier to buy glasses and contacts online
The Florida Legislature is currently considering bills that would make it easier for people to get some of their healthcare services, possibly including eye care, online. The “telehealth” bills would allow doctors use technology to provide health services to patients remotely. It’s a big change that has many industry groups at odds over the regulatory framework.
Upcoming Events:
ATA2020 Annual Conference and Expo
What: ATA2020 Annual Conference and Expo
When: May 3 – 5, 2020
Where: Phoenix, AZ
Hashtag: #ATA20
ATA2020 Annual Conference and Expo – Get a head start on next year’s conference It’s never too early to start planning. Register now.
CMS Covered Telehealth Services
You can download the list of services payable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule when furnished via telehealth on the CMS website.
Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP)
The Center for Connected Health Policy (@CCHPCA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to maximize telehealth’s ability to improve health outcomes, care delivery, and cost effectiveness. Follow CCHP for the latest in telehealth policy and news.