Development and Implementation of Telemedicine in Practice

Abstract

We now live in a digital world where patients prefer to respond via e-mail and text, rather than telephone, and physicians are under more pressure than ever to see more patients in a shorter period of time. Telemedicine has the potential to improve the lives of both patients and physicians through its efficiencies and convenience. Physicians, especially in orthopedics, may be having their patients seen by outside groups who are utilizing telemedicine. In order to compete in a local, regional, and national marketplace, it is important to offer telemedicine as a part of your service offering. Telemedicine has demonstrated high patient and physician satisfaction and has provided significant return on investment for those who track its utility. Implementing a telemedicine program begins with six steps: brainstorming, provider buy-in, planning, provider preparation, execution, and process improvement. With careful attention to the appropriate telemedicine vendor, and the right approach, telemedicine goals can be achieved within each practice.