Telemedicine News & Updates 5-28-2019

In this monthly series we are seeking out the latest developments around Telemedcine. How is telemedicine used to benefit patients and care givers? What are the newest innovations in telemedicine technology?  How does telemedicine fit into the realm of virtual care?  For virtual care industry news and information, read our regular reporting on Virtual Care on Health Data Answers.

Hashtags to follow for updates on telemedicine:

 

To Listen:

The Tate Chronicles
The Tate Chronicles airs weekdays at 3:30 am, 11:30 am, and 7:30 pm ET. On this episode, host Jim Tate speaks with Gigi Sorenson the Chief Clinical Officer and Vice President of Operations for GlobalMed (@GlobalMed_USA). Gigi is an RN MSN. She has a deep background in telehealth, telemedicine, and remote patient monitoring.

 

In the News:

American Well Telehealth App Now Available in Epic App Orchard
National telehealth company American Well® (@americanwell) announced the launch of its virtual care platform in Epic’s App Orchard. The American Well Telehealth (Clinical) app will allow providers to embed video visits into their existing clinical workflows and launch an American Well-powered video consultation from the patient chart with one click.

Tyto Care Joins Epic App Orchard to Offer One-of-a-kind Integrated Telehealth Service to Patients and Health Providers
TytoCare (@TytoCare), the healthcare industry’s first all-in-one modular device and telehealth platform for on-demand, remote medical exams, announced that it has joined the App Orchard marketplace, enabling health organizations to offer the integrated telehealth service to their care providers and patients for comprehensive telehealth visits and access to patient data.

VA partners with Microsoft to improve how rural Veterans access VA’s online services and benefits
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and Microsoft Corp., recently formed a partnership that aims to improve how Veterans living in rural areas can access VA’s online services and benefits.

Teladoc Health Establishes First and Only Patient Safety Organization (PSO) for Virtual Care
Teladoc Health (@teladochealth), a provider of virtual care, announces that it has established the healthcare industry’s first Patient Safety Organization (PSO) dedicated to virtual care. Listed and certified by the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) effective May 8, 2019, this newly formed component entity of Teladoc Health is formally recognized by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as The Institute for Patient Safety and Quality of Virtual Care. The organization will conduct quality and safety initiatives with and on behalf of key healthcare stakeholders, including other PSOs, to improve the delivery of virtual care across the country.

UPMC Starts Telemedicine Company to Fight Infectious Disease
Pennsylvania Business Central reports that to help hospitals address a nationwide shortage of physicians specializing in infectious diseases, UPMC announced that it has formed a telemedicine-enabled company called Infectious Disease (ID) Connect. Backed by the world-class ID expertise of UPMC, the new company aims to improve outcomes while reducing transfers and keeping patients in their own communities for treatment.

Kevin Colores Named General Manager of TeleHealth Services
Kevin Colores has been named General Manager of TeleHealth Services. In this newly created position, Colores will drive continued growth for the nation’s leading provider of audio/visual solutions that enhance the patient experience with information, entertainment and integration services through network-based TVs and mobile devices.

Health care system launches virtual medical service
Lee Health has launched Lee TeleHealth, a new virtual care service that allows patients to visit with a board-certified physician and advanced provider for treatment of a variety of health concerns 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

To Read:

Why your veterinary practice should implement telehealth
It should come as no surprise that telehealth—the use of video and text messaging platforms to engage, diagnose and treat patients—is such a hot topic today. According to Adam Little, DVM, associate professor of practice at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and cofounder of FuturePet, understanding trends in pet ownership can help prepare your practice for the next evolution of client communication.

Telehealth: A proactive, value-based solution to the US physician shortage
The U.S. population’s shifting age demographics have created a need for more proactive care. Three million baby boomers are estimated to reach retirement every year for the next 20 years, according to Advisory Board. Additionally, 33 percent of adults are identified as obese, according to the CDC. Both trends highlight the growing need for chronic illness management and proactively reaching patients before they present at the hospital.

Rory, A Menopause Telemedicine Startup, Aims To Help Women Talk About This Big Life Change
As a society, we talk about childbirth and child-rearing, and we’re making strides towards talking about puberty. But the other major hormonal shift that happens in the lives of people with uteruses — menopause — is rarely, if ever, talked about. But a new company, Rory, is out to change that. Rory (@hellorory) is a new branch of the company Ro (formerly called Roman), a telemedicine company that helps people with penises cope with erectile disfunction.

 

In State News:

Delaware’s only certification program for telehealth grows with expanding use statewide
The University of Delaware’s telemedicine program is continuing to equip more First State medical providers with the ability to visit patients remotely on a screen. UD offers the only class for advanced telemedicine certification in the state. It launched three years ago and this year is offered during the summer semester for the first time. Class started this week and officials say it is full.

Wichita Clinic Fights To Expand Abortion Access Despite Lack Of Willing, Local Doctors
At issue is a state ban on telemedicine abortions — in which a physician isn’t on site at the clinic where a woman takes medication to induce abortion. Instead, the physician consults with her, observes her ultrasound, reviews her medical records and guides her procedure over a remote video connection.

 

Upcoming Events:

VSee Telehealth Secrets Conference 2019
What: Telehealth Secrets 2019: Hidden Growth Markets. Breaking Tech. Happy Providers.
When: October 2-4, 2019
Where: Silicon Valley, CA
Twitter: @VSee

Telehealth Secrets 2019: Hidden Growth Markets. Breaking Tech. Happy Providers. – Stay on top of exploding telehealth markets. Find the right partners to make a true impact on healthcare. Reimagine every aspect of healthcare in a globally connected smart world — Early Bird Registrations ends July 1st.

ATA2020 Annual Conference and Expo
What: ATA2020 Annual Conference and Expo
When: May 3 – 5, 2020
Where: Phoenix, AZ
Hashtag: #ATA20

ATA2020 Annual Conference and Expo – Get a head start on next year’s conference It’s never too early to start planning. Register now.

 

CMS Covered Telehealth Services
You can download the list of services payable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule when furnished via telehealth on the CMS website.

Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP)
The Center for Connected Health Policy (@CCHPCA) is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization working to maximize telehealth’s ability to improve health outcomes, care delivery, and cost effectiveness. Follow CCHP for the latest in telehealth policy and news.