Telehealth has revolutionized the way people get health care since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.
There have been many benefits to extending remote TV systems. But given the sudden boom and massive scale of any business, it’s possible that some players run for the money and take advantage of ignorant consumers.
What should people keep in mind when choosing a telehealth service provider? How can they protect themselves?
We interviewed Lois Ritter, an associate professor who teaches for the Master of Public Health program at the University of Nevada, Reno. Professor Ritter has worked in education, healthcare and research for more than 25 years.
Her work in education includes teaching in an academic setting as well as in a healthcare setting. Her research includes work in areas such as human trafficking, substance abuse, and telehealth. Much of her research is multi-year projects and multiple locations across the state or country.
Q: What are the benefits of consumer-directed telehealth services (as opposed to telehealth from your own service provider, if you have one), and who typically seeks care from these services?
ONE. Consumer-facing telehealth services, also known as direct-to-consumer telehealth, have services available to customers 24/7. Consumers can initiate appointments and consultations with healthcare providers on their own devices, on their own schedule.
Telemedicine visits with one’s own provider usually require an appointment and may not be available in the evenings or on weekends. So if a child is screaming for ear pain in the middle of the night, the visit can happen without the expense of an emergency room visit, leaving the house, or waiting for an appointment.
As a result, consumer-facing telehealth services may be more convenient than using telehealth services through their own provider.
In addition, the users telemarketing consumers may not have medical homes and therefore primary care providers. Consumer-directed telehealth services can be less expensive than using telehealth through their provider if they have a high deductible. It’s definitely less expensive than a visit to the emergency room.
Service users can also be drug seekers. For drug-seeking consumers, there is no prior doctor-patient relationship, so the telehealth provider will not know about the person’s medical history and drug use unless the consumer discloses it. or record it in the Prescription Drug Monitoring Program register.
While this is a boon for drug-seeking consumers, it is problematic for several reasons. Consumers may be using multiple providers from different consumer telehealth services and/or multiple pharmacies and, as a result, overusing drugs. Drug-drug interactions can be overlooked.
Additionally, if a consumer has an allergic or medical reaction to certain medications, a reaction can occur, which can be fatal.
Sometimes, consumers may not disclose a piece of medical information because they do not realize that it is important. For example, people with low blood pressure may experience dizziness or other problems related to certain medications.
Q. What should people look for – and look for – when choosing telehealth services?
ONE. If one chooses to use consumer telehealth services, they should research the company and the providers. The majority of these sites focus on promoting prescription items for a limited number of conditions or illnesses, such as anxiety, contraception, and dermatological conditions. Find a service that provides care for the consumer’s age and medical problems (for example, childcare).
Consumers often need to complete an online questionnaire before a virtual appointment and to collect a prescription. Requirements vary by service. Consumers should look for pages that ask for medical history.
Consumers should check to see if their insurance company will cover the service and, if so, how much is covered. Of course, consumers will want to know the cost of the service when considering options.
It is recommended that if consumers intend to use these telehealth services, do their research before getting sick. During a medical event, the person may not have the time or health to preview the information.
Q. How can people protect themselves when they enter the market for such a service and once they decide to choose one?
ONE. Consumers should discuss the problem and any related medical information in the past with the provider. For example, the finger I broke two years ago is starting to hurt. Inform providers about the medicines they are taking.
It’s best to have them in front of the appointment seeker so that questions can be answered if needed, such as the number of milligrams taken. Share with your provider any medications that cause allergies or adverse reactions. Remember, this doctor does not have the patient’s previous medical information.
Consumers should use video so that the user can see the provider and vice versa. Depending on the medical problem, the consumer may need to let the provider know of the problem, such as an injured finger.
Ask question. If the consumer feels like a drug is being pushed into them, ask about the reasons for using the drug and why it is recommended. Ask about side effects and alternative treatments.
If the consumer is uncomfortable with the advice given, seek a second opinion. If consumers receive a medication they have not taken before, talk to a pharmacist when picking up the medication. Ask about allergies, drug interactions, nutritional effects, and appropriate dosage.
Q. What do you think the future will look like for consumer-facing telehealth services?
ONE. I predict this type of care will continue to grow in the future. More and more insurance companies reimburse for these services, and the profits are very high.
Another reason for the expected growth is that there are more consumers looking for the drug, so if they are not getting the desired drug from the supplier or are abusing the drug, this is one avenue they can take. Go.
The number of people taking up health insurance with high deductibles is increasing, and they may prefer telemarketing to consumers due to lower costs.
There are factors that can prevent its development. One is malpractice lawsuits. No major lawsuits have occurred so far.
There is a gap in the literature on patient satisfaction and quality of care using consumer-directed telemedicine compared with provider-based telecare and on-site care. If satisfaction and quality are low, then growth may slow down.
Twitter: @SiwickiHealthIT
Email the writer: [email protected]
Healthcare IT News is a publication of HIMSS Media.
