Telehealth Clinical Appropriateness and Quality

Abstract

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.

Keywords

• telehealth
• clinical appropriateness
• virtual examination
• telehealth training
• telehealth quality