Patients are becoming increasingly open to the idea of video consultations with physicians — 38 percent indicated being "very likely" to participate in a video consult, according to a study in Telemedicine and e-Health — but physicians, too, could benefit from such teleconsulting.
Here are six ways virtual visits can be beneficial for physicians, presented by Medscape.
1. Reimbursement: Virtual consultations take approximately 10 minutes, meaning physicians can see more patients in a shorter amount of time. Depending on the state and the payer, physicians can earn more money per hour.
2. Flexibility: Offering consultations on a portable device allows physicians offer consultations at times when it is convenient for them.
3. Better care: Having immediate access to physicians for patients, even in nonurgent conditions, can expedite the care timeline. Physicians can send e-prescriptions (in some states) or suggest patients visit urgent care at the time of a consultation instead of the patient waiting several days for an office visit.
4. Easy to use: The virtual consultation platforms often automatically handle administrative elements of visits, such as payer and billing information, eliminating the need to work through transactions in an office.
5. Marketing: Offering the convenience of virtual consultations can serve as a marketing point for physician practices, especially in metro areas.
6. Taking risk: If a practice wants to join a risk-sharing arrangement, the accessibility of physicians through virtual visits can demonstrate ability to monitor patients with chronic conditions.
More articles on telemedicine:
New California law makes it easier for patients to use telemedicine
Nebraska Medical Center using telemedicine to treat Ebola patient
8 latest stories on telemedicine