Telehealth Clinical Appropriateness and Quality

• Published in: Telemedicine reports Vol. 4; no. 1; pp. 87 - 92
• Main Authors: Wang, Lulu, Fabiano, Anthony, Venkatesh, Arjun K, Patel, Nick, Hollander, Judd E
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers 01.05.2023; Mary Ann Liebert
• Subjects: clinical appropriateness; Original Research; telehealth; telehealth quality; telehealth training; virtual examination; virtual examination; telehealth training; clinical appropriateness; telehealth; telehealth quality
• DOI: 10.1089/tmr.2023.0019
• ISSN: 2692-4366

Contrary to common perception, telehealth is not simply a substitute for in-person care. With an array of modalities-live audio-video, asynchronous patient communication, and remote patient monitoring, to name a few-telehealth creates entirely new avenues of care delivery (Table 1). Although our current care model is reactive-relying on episodic visits to an office or hospital-telehealth allows us to be proactive, filling in the gaps to provide a continuum of care. Widespread uptake of telehealth has created fertile ground for long-overdue health system reform. In this study, we describe essential next steps: redefine telehealth clinical appropriateness, evolve payment models, provide necessary training, and reimagine the patient-physician interaction.