Today’s healthcare consumers are looking for convenient access and fulfillment of their healthcare needs. Rapidly developing technology has made telemedicine possible, enabling virtual and more immediate interactions between patients and physicians. Telemedicine, now emerging as Telehealth with an expanded scope is a form of electronic healthcare that enables consultations by telephone, home computer, tablet or mobile device, and allows patient-physician interaction without patient-physician co-location. Available applications already include non-urgent remote diagnoses, home health telemonitoring, post-acute care for chronic conditions, disease management protocols and medication adherence.
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The convenience it provides for busy families or non-ambulatory individuals is driving strong patient demand and high levels of patient satisfaction, as a result. Yet, physicians tend to limit their use of electronic patient care due to reimbursement challenges. Most health insurance carriers will only reimburse in-person care so that continues to be the vehicle of choice for most Florida physicians.As part of an effort to provide a truly differentiating provider experience for its members, one Florida health insuror has taken action. AvMed is piloting an Easy Access program, offering telehealth and other convenience services to AvMed Members. The program works with selected AvMed Primary Care Physicians who offer AvMed Members the option of telehealth consultations*, as well as conveniences such as expedited access to urgent care and standard appointments, quicker response times and less time in the waiting rooms.
“At AvMed, the Member always comes first. That’s why we continually seek new ways to improve the quality and standard of service we provide,” said Susan Knapp Pinnas, AvMed’s Senior Vice President. “Providing easy, electronic access to some of our physicians participating in the pilot is just one more way we are not only helping to improve the member/patient experience but also working to enhance the interactions between AvMed and our providers.”
AvMed recognizes that telehealth makes it easier and more convenient for patients to communicate with their physicians. It also reduces unnecessary office and emergency room visits and helps ensure the necessary visits are more productive and less time-consuming. Patient satisfaction could potentially skyrocket, as well, once clear and appropriate usage guidelines are established.
“It’s the future of healthcare delivery,” said Knapp Pinnas. “And, at AvMed, the future is now.”
Available after hours for phone or email consult today, select AvMed Physicians offer telehealth services including:
• Review of non-urgent medical symptoms
• Medication and prescription refills based on the applicable patient setting
• Detailed lab and test results accompanied by a treatment plan
Referrals related to a treatment plan review of “asynchronous” or “store-and-forward” telehealth, which allows the physician to store and forward medical information for later review without the need for an in-person visit. Dr. Ann Wehr, AvMed’s Chief Medical Officer, believes telehealth will redefine the healthcare experience as patient needs, technology and services continue to evolve with industry changes.
Dr. Wehr says, “AvMed will continue to pursue opportunities designed to deliver high-quality, lower cost products such as on-demand access to primary care through virtual channels, reinforcing our presence and expanding our reach.”
Beginning in March 2015, physicians offering Easy Access services are listed in AvMed’s online provider directory at www.avmed.org with an “open door” Easy Access symbol on their page, while those providing telehealth are listed with a computer icon.
