Telemedicine

How to Be Proactive on Telehealth

Sept. 25, 2019

Telehealth offers expanded access to care, and the ability to virtually triage patients to determine those with the most urgent needs. Here is what Larry Macapagal, OD, Director of Optometry for Southern California Permanente Medical Group, Ttells ROB Professional Editor Mark Wright, OD, FCOVD, how to optimize telehealth technology to benefit both patients and practice.

TELEHEALTH IS GAINING MOMENTUM. Fifty-two percent of all Kaiser Permanente patient encounters involve some form of telehealth. Eyecare is a part of that growing trend.

ASSESS PATIENTS REMOTELY. Optometrists can use telehealth to answer patient questions about common conditions like red eye, and to evaluate photos of the patient’s retina. A HIPAA secure vehicle is critical in that information exchange.

BUILD DOCTOR-PATIENT BONDS. Telehealth allows the doctor to see if the patient’s condition is not serious, and to offer the patient reassurance. Alternately, you can readily recognize threatening conditions that warrant an immediate in-office visit.

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