Page 2 - GuideToTelehealth

With a telehealth visit, 95% of a patient’s time is spent face- 62%

to-face with the doctor, compared with less than 20% of a Of patients reported the quality of virtual
Introduction traditional visit, in which most time is spent traveling and video visits was no different from

waiting. With that said, it is not a surprise that physician practice
models will continue to change dramatically as they move to office visits.
virtual care. The impact will likely minimize the use of exam
rooms, MOBs will have high levels of vacancy, waiting rooms will
become obsolete, and revenue streams historically controlled 21%
and enjoyed by health systems will suddenly become controlled
virtually by providers and caregivers. Based on current COVID-19
practices, several physicians interviewed believe they could Of patients thought virtual visits’ overall
optimally manage their patient panel with only two days in clinic quality was better.
per week.
The COVID-19 pandemic initiated a wave of telehealth and Unless you currently provide a comprehensive approach to
telemedicine usage worldwide. Organizations and practices that population health like Oak Street, Iora Health, and ChenMed, Thus, re-evaluation of your primary care clinics is a must-
historically monopolized geographic regions with ambulatory we anticipate the downsizing of both primary and specialty care do-now initiative, including smaller clinic footprints, higher
locations are now under tremendous pressure and will struggle square footage and clinical staffing. These downsizings are in rates of rotating staff sharing office and exam space, clinic 79%
to stay competitive as markets reopen and geographic and response to the cost pressure health systems face as they enter consolidations, and reducing clinical and administrative support
imposed market restrictions have disappeared. Those looking the other side of this crisis with weakened balance sheets and staff. Other new ideas such as developing a telehealth center of Of patients felt that finding a convenient
to grow their practice will find new opportunities — namely, the mass adoption of more cost-efficient telehealth models. excellence and branding home and clinic offices are becoming time for a follow-up virtually was easier
the ability to leverage their own telemedicine platforms to more prominent within re-imagined facility designs.
consumers and provide virtual care to patients outside the than a traditional visit.
“brick and mortar” and payer restrictions that existed yesterday.

*Source: The American Journal of Managed Care, 2019