Page 21 - January 2021 South Florida Hospital News

When It Comes T o Patient Care Is Telehealth Here To Stay?

– Do Not Make Things Worse The question confronting most patients these

days: are telehealth visits the future of medicine?
Recently I unfortunately fell victim to an Interviews with a number of patients show their
electronic fraud scheme. On a recent busi- main concern about telehealth visits is they feel
ness trip, I landed at the airport to a text, they’re not getting a proper examination, it’s sim-
stating ‘we have flagged your debit card for ply a conversation between the physician and
possible fraud alert’. Needless to say, it was patient. The physician asks the patient how he or
not me attempting a pre-holiday shopping she is feeling and has no idea what their vital
spree in a state I had not set foot in for quite signs are (oxygen level, blood pressure, glucose
a while. My entire account was now frozen. reading, heart rate, etc.).
Thanks to technology catching the irregular- American Telemedicine has the ability to pro-
ity quickly, it was relatively painless. Thanks vide physicians with all of the patient’s data in
to some execs making decisions at my bank, real time. The Link+ by LiveCare is the key to LOUIS BIASI
I am writing this column. After a few phone providing this information. The patient does not
calls and a ton of verifications, my bank BY JAY JUFFRE have to know how to operate a computer, cell
arranged to get me a new debit card. When phone, or tablet. Vital signs are taken and the data immediately sent to your
I got my new card, my expectation was that activation would simply physician. The Link+ is HIPAA and FDA approved so Medicare and Medicare
entail calling the 800 number on the sticker attached to the front. When Advantage patients can be billed for telehealth visits.
the call connected, I was greeted with an automated voice stating, ‘Please The Link+ is like having a wellness center in your own home. Physicians
take a moment to answer some quick questions to see if we may be of can use the Link+ for remote patient monitoring as well as telehealth visits.
service to you. If you or a member of your household are over 50, press All patients, but especially those who live alone or with underlying condi-
one. If you own a car, press 2….’ About 30 seconds later the voice on the tions, should have a Link+ unit to monitor their vital signs. It also has an
other line was offering me a great deal on roadside assistance and emergency response button and can be worn outside the home. The Link+ is
tremendous savings on auto repairs…. ” I am just trying to activate my now being offered to any individual for a small monthly fee.
new debit care.” “Sorry sir, I can’t help you with that, please call back.” Telehealth is here to stay because physicians enjoy the benefits it offers so
Patient care is no different. If there is a problem that has been created it should be done the right way using the Link+.
(by anyone) there is a simple approach, fix the person and then fix the
problem. Do not make things worse by complicating the situation. Your If you are a physician, healthcare provider, or individual who would like a free
patients and their families will appreciate it! demonstration please call (561) 278-2222. American Telemedicine’s management
and staff would like to wish everyone a healthy and prosperous new year. Stay safe
Jay Juffre is Executive Vice President, ImageFIRST. For more information on and wear your mask. Louis Biasi is the CEO of American Telemedicine.
ImageFIRST, call 1-800-932-7472 or visit www.imagefirst.com.

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