The COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted the importance of telehealth as a crucial tool for providing healthcare services.

Telehealth allows providers to deliver care remotely through virtual consultations, telemonitoring, and other digital platforms. As healthcare organizations seek to adapt to the new normal, strategic telehealth investments have become a top priority.

Here are some key considerations for healthcare organizations as they navigate strategic telehealth investments:

Identify areas of opportunity: Healthcare organizations should first identify the areas of care that are best suited for telehealth. For example, certain types of primary care visits, such as follow-up appointments or medication management, can be conducted virtually. Mental health services are another area that has shown to be well-suited for telehealth. Providers should consider the specific needs of their patient populations and the types of services that are most commonly used.

Choose the right technology: There are many telehealth technologies available on the market, and healthcare organizations should choose the one that best meets their needs. Some factors to consider include ease of use for both patients and providers, interoperability with other systems, and compliance with regulatory requirements. It’s also important to ensure that the technology is scalable and able to handle increased demand.

Invest in training and support: Telehealth requires a different set of skills than traditional in-person care, and providers may need additional training to ensure they can effectively use the technology. Healthcare organizations should also invest in technical support to address any issues that arise during telehealth visits. This can include having IT staff available to troubleshoot technical issues, as well as providing patients with resources to help them access telehealth services.

Consider reimbursement: While the COVID-19 pandemic has led to increased reimbursement for telehealth services, it’s important for healthcare organizations to plan for long-term reimbursement. This may involve lobbying for permanent changes to reimbursement policies, or exploring alternative payment models such as value-based care. Healthcare organizations should also work with payers to ensure that they are accurately coding and billing for telehealth services.

Evaluate and adapt: Telehealth is an evolving field, and healthcare organizations should regularly evaluate their telehealth programs to ensure they are meeting the needs of patients and providers. This may involve gathering feedback from patients and providers, tracking key metrics such as patient satisfaction and utilization, and adapting the program as needed to address any issues that arise.

Strategic telehealth investments can help healthcare organizations provide high-quality care while also improving access and convenience for patients. By carefully considering their needs and investing in the right technology and support, healthcare organizations can build a robust telehealth program that benefits both patients and providers.