Types of Telehealth:

Synchronous Care: Live interactions, including video/audio calls and secure text messaging.
Asynchronous Telehealth: “Store and forward” communication at different times, involving messaging, image sharing, and transmitting lab results.
Mobile Health (mHealth): Utilizing digital devices like smartphones and wearables for fitness tracking, medication reminders, and storing health information.
Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): Transmitting patient data through devices such as blood pressure monitors, pacemakers, and glucose meters.

Quick Resources:

Explore valuable resources like “Leveraging Remote Patient Monitoring in Your Practice” from HRSA and “Telehealth for Providers: What You Need to Know” from CMS.
Integrating Telehealth Practices:

Utilize guides like “Translating Research into Practice” and toolkits such as the “Telehealth Partner Toolkit” and “Telehealth Implementation Playbook” to enhance your telehealth services.

Understanding Technology Options:

Prioritize private locations for telehealth delivery, ensuring HIPAA compliance. OpenTelemed aligns with HRSA-funded telehealth centers of excellence, providing resources for adopting and optimizing telehealth.

Finding a Telehealth Vendor:

Discover potential vendors through the “Telemedicine & Telehealth Service Provider Directory” from HRSA. Check for existing access through patient portals or specific telehealth platforms.
OpenTelemed stands as your ally in navigating the evolving realm of telehealth, offering guidance and resources for a seamless and effective telehealth experience.

After identifying your current or prospective technology, consider the following questions:

• Is the product HIPAA compliant?
• Is a contract necessary?
• Does it integrate with my electronic health record?
• Is it user-friendly for patients?
• Does it have a waiting room feature?
• Can staff or patients schedule visits through the platform?
• Can patients provide consent on the platform?
• Is a separate application required for telehealth visits?
• Does it support on-demand visits?
• What are the costs, and are they per visit or a one-time charge?
• Is there a user limit?
• Does it accommodate more than two participants in a session?

Explore additional resources for selecting a telehealth vendor:

Digital Health Implementation Playbook Step 4: Evaluating the Vendor (PDF) — American Medical Association
Selecting a Vendor Guide (PDF) — American Medical Association
Vendor Intake Form (PDF) — American Medical Association
Clinician’s Guide to Video Platforms — National Telehealth Technology Assessment Resource Center