Virtual Care: Transforming the Way We See Our Providers

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.

At the Health IT Expo this month I caught up with Lee Horner, CEO of Synzi. Lee presented on how virtual care technology brings quality care closer to the patient – especially critical for engaging the “sickest of the sick” – in a more convenient and cost-effective manner. Lee is recognized as an innovator in healthcare IT and has more than 25 years of enterprise operating experience. Hear Lee talk about the concept of virtual care rather than telehealth, how it differs from what we think of traditional telehealth.

Product News

Epic Health, Florida’s Leader in Virtual Care Technologies, Previews Their New Third-Generation Virtual Care Solution
Epic Health recently revealed the development of their new revolutionary platform, Carie (@cariehealth). The new mobile technology is their third-generation telehealth platform, a standout amongst industry competitors. She was built to fully elevate and improve the core doctor-patient relationship by allowing the physician to both consult remotely with their own patients, engage new patients remotely, in-office, and, most significantly, while being compensated for all; it’s like no telehealth technology solution before.

Industry News

Teladoc Acquires Global Virtual Care Provider, Advance Medical
Teladoc, Inc. (@teladoc), a provider of virtual care, recently announced that, effective May 31, 2018, it has acquired Advance Medical, a virtual care provider outside of the United States. With a broadened international footprint and the ability to offer an expanded set of clinical services worldwide, the combination creates the only global comprehensive virtual care platform capable of serving companies and people everywhere.

VA Awards Contract to 1Vision and AMC Health for Telehealth Solutions
1Vision LLC, a wholly owned subsidiary of HMS TECHNOLOGIES, INC., and AMC Health (@AMCHealth), a provider of proven real-time virtual care solutions, have been awarded the Authority to Operate (ATO) and provide telehealth solutions to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). With this agreement, 1Vision’s and AMC Health’s telehealth solutions will be made available to enrolled Veterans and their family members.

To Read:

From AP News Skyping the doctor? Poll shows it’s not just for the young -The vast majority of older Americans and their caregivers are ready to give virtual health care a try: Nearly 9 in 10 adults ages 40 and over would be comfortable using at least one type of telemedicine for themselves or an aging loved one, says a new poll from The Associated Press-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research.

From the Synzi Blog
How Virtual Care Can Benefit New Moms – Virtual care technology can help women who deliver a baby in a hospital without a lactation consultant to be able to access one and to also re-engage new mothers upon their return home with their babies. Breastfeeding is known to be the most nutritious food source for newborns and infants.
3 Ways Virtual Care is Revolutionizing Outpatient Recovery – Virtual care is transforming the way that healthcare is delivered by providing patients with more access and control over how, where, and when they will receive care.

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

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.