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ADVANCES IN TECHNOLOGY

A New Era in Healthcare:

Innovating With Telehealth

When it comes to medical expertise in non- “MemorialDocNow” (available through sive telehealth programs. While many
innovation in the health- emergency situations will a free app or at www.mhs.net/memorial- states are beginning to expand payments
care industry, there have be available on their lap- docnow) allows a patient to see a physi- for telehealth, others are placing limita-
traditionally been two top, tablet, or smartphone. cian at any time for minor, non-emer- tions on this type of service. The State of
schools of thought. On Nearly 70% of people sur- gency conditions that include flu-like Florida has largely stayed silent,
the medical side, we’re veyed in 2015 were willing symptoms, rashes, and coughs, to name although Florida Medicaid has taken sig-
early adapters, embrac- to consult with a doctor just a few. nificant steps to recognize the value of
ing new drugs, treat- over a video link. Our Additionally, programs are currently telehealth and has implemented strate-
ments, and equipment in charge as medical and busi- being developed for programs specific to gies to begin solving the reimbursement
the quest to serve our ness professionals is to cre- behavioral health services, disease-based issue.
patient’s needs. On the ate new processes whose caregiver connections, post-hospital fol- Memorial’s patient and family-cen-
business side, however, outcomes deliver better low up, and virtual rounds for physi- tered model of care and desire to be the
change has been slow. results for audiences of cians. most innovative healthcare system in
We’ve invested so much BY BILL MANZIE importance. Florida compels it to evaluate telehealth
in hospitals and care What Does It All Mean? programs that help patients avoid costs
facilities that the focus Not Just a Fad Telehealth delivers convenience, clini- while still delivering clinical quality.
has always been on getting patients At Memorial Healthcare System, we’ve cal accessibility, and empowers patients There is no doubt the future of mobility
through the doors and onto our turf. embraced change in a variety of ways, to play a more active role in their health- will further transform the industry.
But, just like many brick and mortar not the least of which is telehealth, the care, all of which leads to improved out- The larger question is will others
retail locations have learned, the world delivery of healthcare using technology. comes and less costly treatments. embrace technological and social change
has changed. Consumer habits have In the most basic of examples, commu- Physicians, meanwhile, utilize telehealth or continue down the one-way street
evolved and there is now a demand for a nication is now more digital, electronic as a means to better manage a patient that some of the big-box retail giants of
different shopping experience, one that medical records are available via app, population at risk, extend the continuity the past chose as their path?
uses technology to deliver convenience. and appointments can be scheduled on of care, and control overall expenses by
That world is often found online. websites. reducing high-cost emergency room vis- Bill Manzie is Administrative Director of
Which brings us back to the health- But it’s much more than that. We’re its, imaging, and hospital stays. Telehealth Strategy for the Memorial
care model. While it’s understood that now remotely monitoring cardiac and Healthcare System and a member of
complex surgeries need to be performed neuro patients, using FaceTime to evalu- What’s Next? Florida Governor Rick Scott’s Telehealth
in a highly-specialized environment, the ate stroke cases before they reach the Reimbursement has long been consid- Advisory Council. He can be reached at
same consumers that prefer to shop from emergency room, and offering virtual ered the biggest obstacle to hospitals and (954) 276-1425 or wmanzie@mhs.net.
home now have an expectation that consults in a number of practice areas. healthcare systems building comprehen-

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South Florida Hospital News southfloridahospitalnews.com July 2018 17