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Telemedicine – For Medical Professionals

Seamlessly connect with patients in the digital age and embrace the future of healthcare delivery confidently. Your journey towards enhanced telemedicine services starts here.

Telemedicine refers to the use of telecommunications technology to provide healthcare services remotely, allowing physicians to conduct medical consultations, diagnose patients, prescribe treatments, and monitor health conditions without the need for in-person visits.

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Telemedicine offers numerous benefits, including increased access to healthcare services, convenience for patients, reduced healthcare costs, and improved efficiency for healthcare providers.

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You will want to be aware of how telehealth visits are scheduled. Some clinics have a mix of in-person and telehealth patients throughout the day. Others may have specific days for telehealth visits. Should your day be a mix, plan ahead to make sure you have appropriate access to your telehealth equipment.  

 

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Tip: Provide automated reminders to patients for their upcoming telemedicine sessions. 

Pre-visit Preparation: Set up pre-visit requirements, such as completing intake forms, sharing test results, or confirming insurance details before the teleconsultation. 

 

Example Telemedicine Workflow Diagram: 

Patient schedules appointment online → Receives confirmation/reminders → Completes pre-visit forms → Checks in virtually → Attends telemedicine consult → Provider documents visit → Follow-up scheduled. 

 

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Best Practice 1: Be mindful of your surroundings when doing a telehealth visit. Some clinics require a specific background to be used. Please make sure you are in a quite area to minimize interruptions or feedback. For example, if you are doing visits from home, you may want to make sure barking dogs, family members, or internet connection issues will not interrupt your visit. 

Best Practice 2: Use diagrams, charts, and visual tools during telemedicine sessions to explain genetic risks, inheritance patterns, and test results in an accessible way. 

Best Practice 3: Ensure that patients fully understand the nature, benefits, and limitations of genetic tests via telemedicine, and obtain informed consent before proceeding.  

Best Practice 4: Utilize asynchronous methods (secure messaging or patient portals) alongside live telemedicine sessions to communicate test results, answer questions, or provide additional resources. 

Best Practice 5: Consider cultural, language, and literacy differences when explaining genetic concepts during telemedicine visits. Offer interpreters or culturally sensitive materials as needed. 

 

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You will need a combination of Hardware, Software, Accessories, and an Internet Connection. Below is a list of some things you may need to conduct a telemedicine visit:

Hardware: Computer, laptop or tablet, Webcam, Microphone, Speakers or headphones, and a backup power source. Typically, a webcam, microphone, and speakers can be found included in a computer, laptop, or tablet.

Software: A secure and user-friendly Telemedicine platform, Electronic Health Record (EHR) integration, and mobile apps.

Accessories: Tripod or mount, lighting equipment, a neutral and professional background, and Pen and paper.

Internet Connection: High-speed internet with Privacy and Security; Consider using a VPN to encrypt internet traffic and enhance data security, especially when accessing patient information remotely, and using a secure network.

You should familiarize yourself with the telemedicine platform/software you’ll be using. You should make sure that you have a stable internet connection and before your visit, you should test your audio and video. When you test your video, be sure that you position your camera at eye level for optimal visual contact with the patient. You should also try to be in a quiet, well-lit environment for the visit.

Finally, before meeting with your patient, review the patient’s medical history and any relevant documentation prior to the appointment.

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Appointment Scheduling: Streamline scheduling through online portals or apps where patients can book, reschedule, or cancel telemedicine appointments. 

Tip: Provide automated reminders to patients for their upcoming telemedicine sessions. 

Pre-visit Preparation: Patients may want to be encouraged to have a support person with them to help them connect to the visit and overcome potential barriers such as visual or hearing limitations. Set up pre-visit requirements, such as completing intake forms, sharing test results, or confirming insurance details before the teleconsultation. 

Patient Education: Educate patients on how to use the telemedicine platform, including basic troubleshooting steps and how to join the virtual visit. 

 

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Please check your healthcare facility’s policies and the nature of the patient’s condition.  

Some patients may want to continue with their virtual visit if admitted. Depending on the situation, the patient may need to be rescheduled.  

Keep in mind this would be unlikely to be a billable encounter if they are admitted to another facility. Consider communicating directly with their hospital-based team for any urgent needs. 

At the beginning of the visit, verify patient consent for telemedicine and explain the process if it’s their first telemedicine visit. Be sure to greet the patient warmly and introduce yourself. Follow your greeting by explaining the purpose and format of the telemedicine visit.

Being familiar with your telemedicine platform is key, and you should have a good sense of the platform’s abilities prior to your visit. As you continue to conduct visits through telemedicine, the more you will know.

As a first route, based on your experience and understanding of the platform, offer guidance on how to troubleshoot common technical issues. If the technical challenges cannot be resolved, provide alternative communication methods (e.g., phone call).

  • Ex. If video does not work, you may have to use a phone call. Consider your documentation and billing practices if you have to make any last minute changes.

Document any technical challenges encountered during the visit for future reference.

Begin by explaining the positioning of the camera for the examination – describe where your patient or the patient’s caregiver should position their camera to allow you to get the best visual of the area you are seeking.

You can also provide instructions on where or how someone should stand, move, or position to allow you to get what you need. Request that your patients take the visit in a location where they will be able to move around or walk, either during the visit or before. In doing so, guide the patient through the physical exam and any self-examination techniques if applicable.

Use verbal descriptions and visual aids as needed. You can also request assistance from a caregiver or family member if needed for examination.

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After the visit, you should document the telemedicine encounter in the patient’s medical record, including assessment findings, treatment recommendations, and patient education provided. You should also schedule any necessary follow-up appointments or tests. Finally, provide written instructions or educational materials as needed for the patient’s reference. 

After the telemedicine visit, if laboratory tests are required, provide the patient with clear instructions on how to obtain the necessary lab work. Discuss the specific tests needed, including fasting requirements or any special instructions. Provide options for laboratory locations where the patient can go for testing, considering proximity and convenience.

Familiarize yourself with the billing codes and reimbursement guidelines specific to telemedicine services in your region. Determine whether the telemedicine platform you use supports billing integration with your practice management system or electronic health record (EHR) for streamlined billing processes. Submit claims for telemedicine services using the appropriate billing codes and modifiers, ensuring accurate coding and documentation to support reimbursement.

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It is important to clarify that the child does need to be present for the visit. It is helpful to engage the child in the visit whenever possible. Younger children may need to have their video exam done sooner in the visit and then be allowed to walk away and play. You may also want to encourage parents to arrange quiet toys or books to help keep children engaged during the appointment.  

If you plan to conduct a physical exam during the visit, let parents know ahead of time and encourage them to use a camera or a device with a camera that has the flexibility to move around during the appointment, if available. In addition, ask the parent or caregiver to set up the telemedicine visit in a quiet, well-lit room where the child feels comfortable.   

School and work absence notes can be provided through the portal system or by mail if needed. 

At the beginning of the appointment:  

  • Start by introducing yourself and engaging directly with the child, asking simple, friendly questions like their favorite toy or cartoon. 
  • Speak to children at their level, using age-appropriate language, and make them feel comfortable. 
  • Some examiners may have some toys in their office to engage the patients.  

For the virtual exam:  

  • Guide the parent or caregiver on how to assist with the exam. This could include helping with positioning the child or camera, or gently palpating certain areas under your direction. 
  • Begin with a visual assessment of the child. Observe their general appearance, activity level, mood, and interaction with the parent or caregiver. Ask the child to stand up, move around, or perform simple tasks like jumping or reaching for objects to assess motor skills and physical development. 
  • Ask the parent to measure the child’s height and weight ahead of the visit, if possible. You can also assess developmental milestones by asking questions about the child’s behavior, language, and social interactions. 
  • Have the parent bring the camera closer to the child’s skin to examine for rashes, bruises, or other dermatological conditions. 
  • Have the parent position the camera to allow visualization of the child’s breathing. Ask about any audible wheezing or difficulty breathing. For older children, you can ask them to take deep breaths while observing their chest movements. 
  • When able, have the child perform range-of-motion exercises, walk, and use their hands to assess for any joint issues or muscle weakness. 
  • Assess developmental milestones and neurological function by asking the child to follow simple instructions, test coordination with movements like finger-to-nose, or observe how they interact with toys. 

Explain what the growth chart indicates about the child’s growth. Address any concerns about underweight, overweight, or growth patterns, and provide guidance on whether further evaluation or interventions are needed. 

Some patients may be able to be weighed and have height taken at home. Others may need more precise measurements, which can be done with their local provider and then provided to the clinic team. Measurements can be included in the electronic medical record and added to growth charts. Most telehealth platforms allow providers to share their screen so, if desired, growth charts can be pulled up, shared, and discussed in the visit. 

Links to Lists of Growth Charts: