PATIENT DESCRIBES SYMPTOMS is that no matter which Baylor Scott & White hospital you go to when you need specialized services , you will still receive the best quality and safest care ,” Dr . Jimenez says .
Intensivists participate in daily rounds and are on-call for occasions when there is an unexpected change in a patient ’ s status . Dr . Jimenez says , “ When necessary the intensivist can decide , in a proactive way , to have the patient transferred to another facility .”
Privacy and reimbursement While telemedicine offers great promise for meeting the need for improved access to healthcare , convenience , and cost savings , protecting patients ’ privacy and safety is our highest concern . Baylor Scott & White adheres to the strict laws in the state that govern these issues .
Reimbursement is a challenge for telemedicine because not all insurance companies reimburse for video visits — even though these cost significantly less than in-person clinic visits . Mr . Johnson says , “ The hope is that Baylor Scott & White can build the use case for payers .”
“ The Scott & White Health Plan has been very supportive ,” says Dr . Couchman . “ While we still have to work out some kinks in the process , I ’ m confident that the future of telemedicine at Baylor Scott & White - Central Texas is very bright and that as we implement more of these services , patients will benefit tremendously .” n
PROVIDER MAKES RECOMMENDATIONS
E-visit pilot for employees
Another pilot program launched last July is demonstrating the benefits of asynchronous ( not in real-time ) electronic visits , or e-visits . About 20,000 Baylor Scott & White Health - Central Texas employees and their families are eligible to use the technology for managing common problems — such as colds , infections , allergies , flus , and urinary tract infections — that do not require visiting a clinic in person . So far more than 2,000 employees have used the system , and the sentiment is very positive .
• Via a HIPAA-compliant internet connection on a computer , laptop , or tablet , the patient completes an information-gathering process that includes the same questions that would have been asked at the clinic .
• If the patient ’ s condition meets the criteria for a safe e-visit , the answers are transmitted to one of the providers participating in the pilot program . If their condition is one that should be treated at a clinic , the patient is encouraged to make an in-person appointment .
• The provider on call receives notification of the pending e-visit via text message . The provider then reviews the answers supplied by the patient , renders diagnosis and treatment , and responds to the patient via email .
• If a medication is prescribed , the patient can log in to the e-visit platform and choose a pharmacy to fill the prescription .
sw . org | May 16 THE CATALYST 9