Telehealth Virtual Visit Preparation

Preparing for a Virtual Visit

• Find a comfortable, quiet, and private place to sit during the virtual visit.
• Patients may be asked to self-report vital signs and other biometric data, such as height, weight, and blood pressure.

Technology-Enabled Health Care

• Telehealth enables health care providers to assess and treat a wide range of diseases and conditions remotely.
• Digital heart and lung sounds can be transmitted via a video conferencing system.
• Video scopes can be used for eye, ear, nose, and throat examinations.

Patient Education through Telehealth

• Telehealth allows providers to educate patients without requiring an in-person appointment.
• Telehealth has enabled rural areas to access previously unavailable treatments.

Responsibilities of a Medical Assistant

• Assisting with technical issues during telehealth encounters.
• Scheduling virtual visits, including collecting or confirming the patient's email address and sending instructions.
• Participating in the virtual visit, including taking a history, verifying medication and pharmacy information, and creating an agenda.

Limitations of Telehealth

• In-person evaluation is required for diagnostic testing, new pain symptoms, and physical examinations.

Conducting Telehealth or Virtual Screenings

• Telehealth is a type of service that uses video calling and other technologies to provide patient care in a remote location.
• Health care providers can use virtual consultations to seek advice from specialists in other locations.
• Telehealth includes remote patient monitoring, where health care providers can receive information from a patient's wearable device.

Modifications for Telehealth and Virtual Health Care

• Health care providers and patients must prepare before and after their virtual medical visit.
• The use of technology by health care providers and professionals does not affect their standard of practice, ethics, or scope of practice.
• Patients must have access to an internet-connected smartphone, tablet, or computer to participate in a virtual visit.

Integration Strategies

• Custom templates can optimize documentation procedures by standardizing data entry and ensuring efficient capture of required information.
• Automation facilitates timely provision of follow-up care to patients and informs healthcare providers of crucial information, improving patient safety.

Interoperability

• Interoperability ensures effective communication between EHR/EMR systems and other systems, including laboratories and pharmacies.
• It facilitates smooth and efficient sharing of information, minimizing redundant tests and enhancing collaboration among healthcare providers.

Interacting with Patients

• Actively involving patients in documenting their medical information enhances their engagement in their own healthcare.
• Patients who understand how their information is used are more likely to participate in the management of their health.

Engagement

• Sharing pertinent sections of the Electronic Health Record (EHR) or Electronic Medical Record (EMR) with patients fosters transparency and builds trust.
• Patients who have access to their medical records are empowered to actively participate in the management of their own health.

Electronic Health Records (EHRs)

• EHRs facilitate seamless transfers of patients' care among primary care providers, specialists, hospitals, and other healthcare facilities.
• EHRs enable patients to access their health information, promoting their active involvement in their healthcare and decision-making processes.
• Educational and awareness components in EHRs provide patients with access to personalized health information and educational resources.
• EHR systems include secure messaging systems that enable seamless communication between patients and healthcare providers.

Data Safety

• Safeguarding patient information within EHR/EMR systems is crucial to prevent unauthorized access to sensitive patient data.
• Data breaches can lead to the disclosure of personal health information, which can have legal and financial consequences for healthcare organizations.
• Ensuring compliance with regulations, such as HIPAA, is crucial to protect patients' Protected Health Information (PHI).
• Proper handling of PHI within EHR/EMR systems ensures that this information is accessed only by authorized personnel, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized disclosures.

Enhanced Effectiveness and Output

• EHR/EMR systems reduce administrative tasks, leading to increased productivity and more time for patient care.
• Automated processes, such as appointment scheduling, billing, and prescription refills, result in time savings.
• EHR/EMR systems enable healthcare providers to attend to more patients while maintaining the same level of care, resulting in enhanced resource utilization and improved patient flow.
• Cost savings are achieved through reduced reliance on paper, physical storage, and transcription services.
• Efficient electronic billing and coding processes improve revenue cycle management.

Enhanced Integration of Healthcare Services

• EHRs facilitate comprehensive care by enabling access to current and consistent patient information.
• EHRs minimize the necessity for duplicate tests and procedures by providing a comprehensive overview of a patient's medical history.
• EHRs safeguard patient privacy and foster a secure healthcare environment.

Cybersecurity and HITECH Act

• EHR/EMR systems are prone to cyberattacks and system failures due to technical vulnerabilities.
• Strong cybersecurity protocols and consistent system updates are necessary to defend against these dangers.
• The HITECH Act encourages the adoption and meaningful use of health information technology in healthcare.
• HITECH compliance requires ensuring that healthcare providers use certified EHR systems effectively to improve patient care.

Legal and Ethical Considerations

• Preserving patient privacy and confidentiality is crucial when utilizing EHR/EMR systems.
• The integration of CPOE with an EHR can boost clinical productivity.
• CPOE systems follow a six-step process, including logging in, viewing patient lists, ordering prescriptions, validating orders, and sending orders to providers.

Telehealth Technologies

• Telehealth is delivered and used in various ways, including electronic submissions and live video calls.
• Electronic submissions enable providers to exchange patient health information electronically.
• Live video enables real-time communication between providers and patients.
• Remote physical examinations can be performed using video conferencing systems.
• Patients may self-report vital signs and other biometric data.

Patient Education through Telehealth

• Telehealth and virtual appointments enable technology-enabled healthcare and education delivery.
• Patients and providers can communicate and sometimes see each other via electronic devices.
• Telehealth has enabled rural areas to obtain previously unavailable treatments.
• MAs assisting with telehealth appointments may be responsible for technical issues, patient education, and other tasks.
• Patient education should be in layman's terms, without medical jargon, and at the patient's appropriate reading and comprehension level.
• Understanding the patient's learning style and preferences aids in determining the most effective methods of providing information.
• Soliciting feedback is critical for determining the effectiveness of the teaching session.

Enhanced Effectiveness and Output

• EHR/EMR systems optimize administrative processes, reducing time spent on paperwork and improving productivity.
• Systems streamline tasks such as appointment scheduling, billing, and prescription refills, resulting in time savings.
• Automation enables healthcare providers to dedicate more time to patient care, leading to enhanced resource utilization and improved patient flow.
• Cost savings are achieved through decreased reliance on paper, physical storage, and transcription services.

Enhanced Integration of Healthcare Services

• EHRs enable efficient communication and coordination between healthcare providers and organizations, ensuring comprehensive care.
• EHRs facilitate a shared understanding of a patient's medical history and treatment plans, promoting uniform and efficient care.
• Electronic Health Records minimize the need for duplicate tests and procedures by providing a comprehensive overview of a patient's medical history.

Data Safety

• Safeguarding patient information within EHR/EMR systems is crucial, but risks such as data breaches and unauthorized access must be mitigated.
• Data breaches can lead to the disclosure of personal health information, resulting in legal and financial consequences.
• Compliance with regulations, such as HIPAA, is essential to ensure the protection of patients' Protected Health Information (PHI).

Compliance

• Ensuring EHR/EMR systems adhere to regulations, such as HIPAA, is crucial to avoid significant financial penalties and harm to the organization's reputation.
• Protecting patients' PHI is of paramount importance, and proper handling of PHI within EHR/EMR systems ensures confidentiality and reduces the risk of data breaches.

Completeness

• Thorough documentation encompasses all pertinent information regarding a patient's medical condition, treatment strategies, and engagements with healthcare professionals.
• Comprehensive documentation facilitates a seamless provision of healthcare and ensures legal responsibility.

Ethical Utilization of Electronic Health Records (EHR) and Electronic Medical Records (EMR)

• Healthcare providers must utilize EHR/EMR systems in an ethical manner to preserve patient trust and adhere to professional standards.
• Ethical use encompasses principles such as patient consent, transparency, and professional integrity.

Patient Consent

• Patients must be educated regarding the utilization of their information and provide explicit permission.
• Patients should be aware of their entitlements concerning their health information and the manner in which it will be disseminated and utilized within the healthcare system.

Transparency

• Healthcare providers must be forthright with patients regarding any data breaches or concerns that could impact their privacy.
• Transparency promotes confidence and guarantees that patients are aware of the condition of their personal health information.

Optimal Strategies for EHR/EMR Utilization

• Precise and prompt data entry is crucial for the efficient utilization of EHR/EMR systems.
• Adhering to established guidelines ensures that patient records are dependable and thorough.

Data Entry and Documentation

• Consistency in data entry is essential to facilitate efficient navigation and comprehension.
• Clinical notes should be thorough and inclusive to encompass the entirety of patient interactions.
• Regular evaluations of patient records are necessary to guarantee their currency and precision.

Integration of Workflows

• EHR/EMR systems must seamlessly integrate into current clinical workflows to ensure efficiency.
• Healthcare providers can utilize technology to perform remote physical examinations, assess and treat a wide range of diseases, and facilitate patient education.

Patient Education through Telehealth or Virtual Visit Systems and Processes

• Telehealth and virtual appointments enable technology-enabled healthcare and education delivery.
• Telehealth has enabled rural areas to obtain previously unavailable treatments.
• Medical assistants may assist with technical issues during telehealth encounters and facilitate patient education.

Learn how to prepare for a virtual visit and the technology used in telehealth to assess and treat patients remotely.