If you’re a medical practitioner, a small clinic, or a hospital, Google Voice can help you talk to your patients while providing a layer of privacy.

It’s super important for medical personnel and hospitals to keep patient information safe and private. They should never take shortcuts on this!

In this guide, we’ll show you how to set up Google Voice for healthcare. This way, you can keep everything safe and make sure your patients’ information stays private.

Why Should Healthcare Providers Use Google Voice?

Healthcare providers should establish a smooth and secure way of communication. They need to send safe texts, make end-to-end encrypted voice calls, and send protected health information. Therefore, to keep things safe and follow the HIPAA telecommunication rules, healthcare businesses need a good telephone service. Google Voice is a great choice for this. This is because it’s affordable and versatile.

Here is how Google Voice is beneficial for healthcare providers:

• Google Voice lets you keep your number private while communicating with patients.
• It offers free and paid plans, making it an economical solution for private practice owners and small clinics.
• Google Voice enables call forwarding, ensuring you never miss an important call from your patients.
• You can use Google Voice on any device, like your phone, computer, or tablet, so you can talk to patients anytime, anywhere!
• Google Voice lets you send and receive texts, so it’s a great way to stay in touch all in one place!

How to Set Up Google Voice as a Healthcare Provider?

Getting started with Google Voice and making sure you and your patients are safe requires that you know how to set up your account so that you can use features like voice calls and messaging securely.

Let’s find out how you can do that!

Step 1: Setting up Google Voice on Various Platforms

When you set up a Google Voice Account, you may have one of three platforms. You may start with an iPhone with an iOS or Android device or set it up on your PC with Windows, any browser, etc.

First of all, see how will you get started on all these:

Google Voice on iOS

On your iPhone, follow these steps: 

1. Go to the App Store on your iOS device and search for “Google Voice.”
2. Download and install the app.
3. Launch the Google Voice app from your home screen once it’s installed.
4. Enter your Google account credentials to sign in. If you don’t have a Google account, you’ll need to create one.
5. After signing in, you will be prompted to review Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.
6. Tap Accept to continue.
7. Tap Search to begin looking for a number.
8. You can search by city or area code. If there are no available numbers, try using a nearby city or area code.
9. Once you find a number you like, tap Select.
10. Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize your setup. This may involve verifying your phone number and completing additional security steps.
11. After setup, you can link another phone number to your Google Voice account to forward calls if needed.

Google Voice on Android

In the case of an Android device, follow these steps to get started

• Go to the Google Play Store on your Android device.
• Search for “Google Voice” and install the app.
• Once the app is installed, open it from your app drawer or home screen.
• Sign in using your Google credentials. If you don’t have an account, create one.
• You’ll be asked to review Google’s Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Tap Continue to accept.
• Tap Search to find a phone number.
• You can search by city or area code. If a number isn’t available in your area, try a nearby location.
• Once you’ve found a number you want, tap Select.
• Follow the instructions on the screen to finalize the setup process, including linking your existing phone number to Google Voice.

Google Voice on Windows

On your PCs running on Windows, you can set up your Google Voice by following these steps: 

• Check System Requirements. Ensure that your device is running Windows, macOS, or Chrome OS. Google Voice also supports several web browsers, including: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, and Safari.
• Open your web browser and go to voice.google.com.
• Log in using your Google credentials. You’ll need to create an account if you don’t have one.
• You will be asked to review and accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy. Click Continue to proceed.
• You can search for a Google Voice number by entering a city or area code.
• If a number isn’t available in your area, consider trying a nearby city or area code.
• Once you find a number you like, click Select next to it to claim the number.
• Follow the on-screen instructions to finalize your account setup. This includes verifying your phone number and setting up any necessary preferences.

Step 2: Link Google Voice to Your Primary Phone

Google Voice allows you to link your personal or business phone number to your Google Voice account, so you never miss an essential patient call.

After selecting your Google Voice number, you’ll be prompted to link it to a forwarding number (your personal or business phone). This means calls to your Google Voice number will be forwarded to your primary phone.

• Enter your phone number and click [Send Code]. Google will send a verification code to your phone.
• Check your phone for the code that Google sent. Enter that [Code] into the Google Voice setup page and click [Verify] to complete the linking process.

Step 3: Set Up Call Forwarding

Call forwarding ensures you can receive calls from your Google Voice number on any of your preferred devices (phone, tablet, or computer).

• Click on the three vertical dots in the upper-right corner of your Google Voice page or app to open the menu. Select Settings from the dropdown list.
• Under the Account tab, scroll to find the Linked Numbers section. Here, you can add multiple phone numbers to which you want calls to be forwarded.

If you have a team or use multiple devices, you can link several numbers to ensure you never miss a call at the office or remotely.

*Note: For healthcare providers, this feature is beneficial for ensuring you’re available during business hours and flexibility for after-hours or emergency calls.

Step 4: Ensure HIPAA Compliance with Google Voice

Though Google Voice offers secure communications, it’s essential to take additional steps to ensure compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) for the privacy and security of patient information.

To enhance the Security of your Google Voice account, enable 2FA (Two-Factor Authentication) on your Google account.

• Go to your Google Account settings and select [Security].
• In the 2-Step Verification section, click [Get Started] and follow the prompts to set it up (usually requiring your phone number for text or app-based verification).

Using personal devices for patient communication can compromise privacy. Consider setting up a dedicated phone or device exclusively for your Google Voice communications with patients for greater confidentiality.

• Go to your Google Voice Settings and review all privacy-related settings.

You can adjust who can call or message you and block spam or unwanted numbers. This ensures that patient communication remains private and secure.

While Google Voice is not fully HIPAA-compliant, you can ensure your practice stays compliant by securely storing calls, texts, and voicemail records. Use encrypted cloud storage solutions for any patient data you store outside Google Voice.

Step 5: Set Up Voicemail for Your Google Voice Number

Google Voice allows you to personalize your voicemail message, which is critical for maintaining a professional tone and informing patients when they expect to hear back.

For this, consider personalizing your voicemail.

• Open the Google Voice app or website and go to Settings.
• Scroll down to the Voicemail section and click Record a Greeting.
• Follow the prompts to record your message.

*Note: Include an informative message telling patients when they can expect a return call or the following steps, especially if you’re unavailable or out of the office.

Step 6: Manage Text Messages

Google Voice texting is a great, discreet way to stay in touch with your clinic’s patients. But it’s really important to stick to the rules about privacy and being professional.

Here’s how to turn on texting in Google Voice:

• Open the Messages tab in your Google Voice app or on the website to send and receive text messages using Google Voice.

You can send texts to patients to remind them about appointments, confirm their visits, or answer any questions they have.

Always be professional when you send messages, and don’t share personal health info through text unless it’s safe to do so.

To follow HIPAA rules, make sure to send important patient information using safe, encrypted apps instead of regular text messages.

Step 7: Final Security Checks and Best Practices

Ensuring your Google Voice setup is secure and HIPAA-compliant is an ongoing process. Follow these best practices to keep your communication system safe:

• Regularly review your Google Voice security settings to ensure no unauthorized access.
• Enable alert notifications for unusual activities, such as unexpected calls or messages from unknown numbers.

Make sure everyone on your team knows why HIPAA rules are important, how to keep things private, and the right way to use Google Voice. First off, this means not sharing patient information without permission and knowing the rules about using text messages for medical services discourse.

Next up, if you’re using a phone, tablet, or computer to use Google Voice, make sure they have a password and can use your fingerprint or face to unlock them.

Finally, to keep patient information safe, think about using secure messaging apps when sharing details online. This way, things stay private and help prevent problems.

Google Voice Free vs Paid Plan: Which Is Better for Providers?

Now, when deciding which plan a healthcare provider should choose, they must have their needs in mind. Choose a suitable plan according to your practice size. There are two plans available for Google Voice, including:

1. Free Plan 
2. Paid Plan

Google Voice Free Plan

The Free Plan from Google Voice is really cool because it doesn’t cost anything! It does a great job with the basics, but you should think about its limits, especially if you’re a healthcare worker handling patient calls and information.

Let’s talk about what you get with a Google Voice free plan and what you don’t get:

Unlimited Calling and Texting in the U.S.

This is a great bonus! You can call and text any number in the U.S. without extra charges. This is really helpful for solo practitioners or small practices. When you’re a therapist or independent doctor with a small group of patients, this plan will meet your contact needs.

No Voicemail Transcription

One downside? No voicemail transcription. If you get the paid plan, Google Voice will turn your voicemails into text. This way, you can easily read the messages and see if you need to call back right away. If you don’t have this feature, you’ll need to listen to each voicemail one by one. That can take a lot of time, especially if you get many calls from patients or questions.

No Call Recording

You can’t record calls if you’re using the free plan. Healthcare providers can find it useful to record calls. It helps them keep track of important information, especially during telehealth visits, and can also be great for training their staff. If you don’t have this feature, you’ll need to use notes or write things down yourself, which can be a hassle and not very safe.

No Administrative Controls or Integrations

The free version doesn’t let you manage settings or connect with other systems. That means you can’t assign phone numbers to different team members, monitor call usage, or tie the phone system into other tools you might be using (like patient management software). If you only have one patient or a small office, this might not be a big deal, but it can become a problem as your business grows.

Google Voice Paid Plan

The Paid Plan is suitable for hospitals and larger practices. It’s more expensive, but it has enhanced functionality to benefit healthcare providers, especially if you’re managing a team or need more control over your communications.

Here’s what you get with a paid plan:

Enhanced Features Like Call Recording

This feature alone is a game-changer for healthcare providers. Being able to record calls can be helpful for:

• Documentation: You might want to refer back to a conversation with a patient, especially if it involves critical health information or detailed instructions.
• Telehealth: If you’re conducting virtual consultations, recording the call provides a reference point and protects you legally.
• Training: If you have a team, you can use recorded calls for training purposes—helping new staff members understand best practices when interacting with patients.

Voicemail Transcription

Voicemail transcription is one of the standout features of the Paid Plan. It transcribes voicemail messages to text, so you can easily read them instead of listening to the entire recording. 

This can save time, especially when managing a busy practice with many patient inquiries. 

It’s also handy if you’re juggling multiple tasks and want to check important messages quickly.

Administrative Controls

As your practice grows, managing communication becomes more complicated.

The Paid Plan gives you administrative control, which means you can assign numbers to different team members, manage call logs, and have more visibility into the communication happening across your practice.

For larger teams, this is vital for maintaining smooth operations.

Multiple Users and Device Integrations

The Paid Plan is designed for large practices.

The Paid Plan lets you assign different phone numbers or call forwarding options to each if you have multiple staff members like receptionists, office managers, or other therapists.

This allows you to keep your communication organized and streamlined.

Also, it integrates with other Google tools like Google Workspace, which can be a massive time-saver if you already use Google’s suite of productivity apps.

Better Customer Support

With the Paid Plan, you’ll get access to premium support. This can be helpful if you run into any issues or need assistance setting up your system, especially as your practice grows and your communication needs become more complex.

Conclusion

Using Google Voice for healthcare can help doctors keep things private, communicate more effectively with patients, and save money.

But it’s really important to follow the right steps to keep communication safe and follow HIPAA rules.

By following this guide, healthcare providers can set up Google Voice in a way that supports their practice while maintaining the confidentiality and professionalism required in the healthcare industry.

If you need more help or have questions, reach out to Google Voice support or read this HIPAA-compliance voicemail checklist to make sure your practice follows all the rules and does the right thing.

The truth is, no platform connected to the internet is 100% secure. There may be vulnerabilities that provide openings for hackers to sneak into your data.

However, the privacy standards of different video communication platforms like FaceTime, WhatsApp, and Zoom can be determined by the levels and layers of security they employ.

Some platforms are highly secured and safeguarded with multi-layered protection, while others may lack robust security.

Patients have a right to keep their health information private. As their physicians and healthcare providers, it is our duty to do everything in our power to protect that right. We must take all precautions to ensure we are contacting patients through platforms with the highest security standards and compliance with privacy laws like HIPAA. If we fail in this responsibility, we fail our patients and violate their trust at the most fundamental level.

Video Calling Platforms for HIPAA Compliant Telehealth

Are popular video chatting apps safe for doctor-patient chats?

That’s the question on many medical professionals’ minds these days.

With telemedicine and social distancing measures in full effect, more physicians are turning to tech like FaceTime, Zoom and Skype to connect with their patients remotely.

But before firing up one of these apps for your next virtual visit, it’s important to consider whether they comply with privacy laws like HIPAA.

In this article, we’ll have an honest discussion on how certain well-known video calling platforms—FaceTime, Google Meet, WhatsApp, Zoom, Skype and Microsoft Teams—stack up under the scrutiny of health care regulations.

The fact is, some are better suited for sensitive doctor-patient communications than others. Does this mean that the technology is there; and we just have to use it responsibly? Let’s read!

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Is FaceTime HIPAA Compliant?

FaceTime is not inherently HIPAA compliant due to Apple’s lack of a Business Associate Agreement with healthcare providers. However, with written patient consent, FaceTime can be used in a HIPAA-friendly manner to transmit protected health information, ensuring patient privacy.

Read about FaceTime’s HIPAA Compliancy in detail here ➜

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Is Google Meet HIPAA Compliant?

Google Meet follows HIPAA guidelines and offers a Business Associate Agreement for healthcare providers, making it a secure platform for sharing protected health information. By signing the agreement and configuring privacy settings, doctors can confidently use Google Meet for telehealth services while safeguarding patient data.

Read about Google Meet’s HIPAA Compliancy in detail here ➜

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Is WhatsApp HIPAA Compliant?

WhatsApp is not HIPAA compliant and should not be used to share private health information without risking patient privacy. While doctors can obtain patient consent, WhatsApp remains unreliable for HIPAA-compliant data transmission, urging caution in its use for healthcare purposes.

Read about WhatsApp’s HIPAA Compliancy in detail here ➜

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Is Zoom
HIPAA Compliant?

Zoom is HIPAA compliant with necessary security measures in place, ensuring protected health information is transmitted securely. Healthcare providers can safely conduct remote appointments on Zoom by following proper configuration and sharing PHI only with authorized individuals, maintaining patient confidentiality.

Read about Zoom’s HIPAA Compliancy in detail here ➜

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Is Skype
HIPAA Compliant?

Skype for Business offers HIPAA-compliant packages like E3 and E5, enabling secure transmission of protected health information. By activating access controls, securely saving messages, and implementing encryption, providers can use Skype as a convenient and safe communication platform for healthcare purposes.

Read about Skype’s HIPAA Compliancy in detail here ➜

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Is Microsoft Teams HIPAA Compliant?

Microsoft Teams, while not inherently HIPAA compliant, can be configured for HIPAA compliance with a Business Associate Agreement in place. By setting user permissions, enabling encryption, and providing staff training, healthcare organizations can use Teams effectively for secure communication and collaboration while protecting patient data as required by HIPAA regulations.

Read about Microsoft Teams’ HIPAA Compliancy in detail here ➜

Using FaceTime for HIPAA Compliant Telehealth

At first glance, FaceTime may seem like a convenient way to visually consult with patients. However, without proper precautions, using FaceTime could potentially lead to violations of patients’ privacy rights.

The core issue is that Apple and FaceTime are not covered entities under HIPAA rules. Apple has not entered into a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) with healthcare providers, meaning they have no obligation to safeguard protected health information transmitted via FaceTime. This leaves patient privacy vulnerable.

While the encryption used by FaceTime offers some level of security, Apple still potentially collects information related to users’ health.

Details like weight, prior medical diagnosis and testing (e.g., diagnosis of an irregular heart rhythm), current and previous use of certain medications (e.g., blood thinning medications), certain family history (e.g., history of atrial fibrillation) and health habits (e.g., smoking) — the kind of personal data covered by HIPAA — could be gathered by Apple through in-app surveys and other means.

However, following HIPAA depends more on how people use technology, not how advanced the tech is. Apple says FaceTime calls are encrypted end-to-end so only the people talking can access them. Even so, you can only use FaceTime in a HIPAA-compliant way if you get written permission from patients before sharing their PHI.

Using Google Meet for HIPAA Compliant Telehealth

Google Meet is one of the best ways for doctors to talk to patients while following the rules of the Health and Human Services Department (HHS). Doctors can create, receive, and send protected health information (PHI) because Google Meet follows HIPAA.

To follow HIPAA, businesses that work with health groups need a business associate agreement. 

“Customers that are subject to HIPAA and want to utilize any Google Cloud products in connection with PHI must review and accept Google’s Business Associate Agreement (BAA)”, says Google.

They have further stated:

“Google ensures that the Google products covered under the BAA meet the requirements under HIPAA and align with our ISO/IEC 27001, 27017, and 27018 certifications and SOC 2 report.”

Because it’s easy to use and keeps health data private, Google Meet is great for doctors and patients to connect. People can use Meet on their phones or computers. Doctors can give HIPAA compliant telehealth services to patients.

Still, before talking, doctors need to sign a business associate agreement with Google Meet to ensure HIPAA compliance. The agreement outlines the responsibilities of health groups and businesses to protect patient data. So, doctors should read the whole agreement carefully before having a virtual treatment session with the patient.

Doctors should also turn ON features to keep communications private. Signing an agreement alone may not be enough for HIPAA compliance. For this, doctors should make Google Meet invites “private” to hide any protected health information, like a patient’s name.

The most important thing is training staff to use Google Meet according to HHS rules. For instance, controlling video recording, which Google Meet saves to Google Drive by default. This can prevent accidental sharing of electronic protected health information.

Using WhatsApp for HIPAA Compliant Telehealth

WhatsApp, the popular messaging app used by nearly three billion people across the globe, isn’t compliant with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act or HIPAA. For doctors and healthcare organizations, this means WhatsApp can’t be used to share patients’ private health information.

According to its terms of service, WhatsApp itself says:

“Don’t use WhatsApp for telemedicine or to send or request any health related information, if applicable regulations prohibit distribution of such information to systems that do not meet heightened requirements to handle health related information.”

WhatsApp also states:

“We make no representations or warranties that our Business Services meet the needs of entities regulated by laws and regulations with heightened confidentiality requirements for personal data, such as healthcare, financial, or legal services entities.”

While there are no ways for healthcare groups to make WhatsApp HIPAA compliant, there are exceptions. Doctors can get patient consent to share health information over WhatsApp. But even with consent, WhatsApp should not be relied upon as a HIPAA-compliant way to share private health details.

Doctors should warn patients that using WhatsApp to share health info could put their privacy at risk. If patients still want to use WhatsApp after being warned, doctors should document the request to protect themselves.

WhatsApp can be useful in healthcare to speed up work and improve patient satisfaction. But private health info should not be shared on WhatsApp. WhatsApp is owned by Meta, Facebook’s parent company, and health details on WhatsApp could also be accessed by Facebook for its own purposes, putting patients’ privacy in danger.

Using Zoom for HIPAA Compliant Telehealth

Zoom, a popular video conferencing service, announced in 2017 that they had created the first large-scale cloud-based telehealth service for healthcare providers. For doctors and nurses, Zoom has proven useful for speaking with patients since Zoom follows the rules of HIPAA.

As you may know, any service that shares private health information must follow the guidelines of the Department of Health and Human Services. This means Zoom has to sign a business associate agreement with healthcare groups before sharing patients’ private details. Thankfully, Zoom is always ready and willing to sign these agreements with healthcare providers and ensures they have all the necessary security controls to meet HIPAA’s requirements.

After signing with healthcare groups, Zoom enables the following security measures for accounts:

• Cloud recording is turned off. 
• Chat encryption is turned on.
• Offline messages are only available after all parties start a coded key exchange.
• The setting “Require Encryption for 3rd Party Endpoints (H323/SIP)” is turned on for all account members.
• Text messages are encrypted.

Here’s a detailed PDF published by Zoom regarding its HIPAA compliance policies:

Now, even with Zoom’s HIPAA compliance, the onus is still on healthcare providers to use the platform properly. They need to be mindful of only sharing PHI with authorized individuals like patients. And they must configure Zoom’s settings correctly for each telehealth session. But overall, Zoom has taken the necessary steps to make their video platform HIPAA compliant. So doctors can safely conduct remote appointments without compromising their patients’ protected health information.

Using Skype for HIPAA Compliant Telehealth

When it comes to secure communication between healthcare providers and patients, Skype can be a good option for sharing protected health information (PHI) – but only if used properly.

The free version of Skype is not HIPAA compliant and cannot be used to transmit sensitive patient data.

However, Skype for Business offers packages that allow providers to utilize the platform in a HIPAA-compliant manner.  

Specifically, the E3 and E5 versions of Skype for Business enable features necessary for protecting PHI according to HHS guidelines.

➜ Providers must activate access controls on all devices, restricting Skype usage to only necessary members of the practice. This prevents unauthorized access to patient information.

➜ Messages within Skype must also be securely saved so that PHI access logs comply with HIPAA’s minimum necessary standard.

➜ Automatic log-off features should be turned on as well, to prevent someone from accessing Skype on an unattended device.

On a technical level, Skype uses 256-bit AES encryption to scramble communication data. This masks PHI, making it unreadable to anyone without the proper decryption key.

As a Microsoft product, Skype can enter into Business Associate Agreements with covered healthcare entities. But the onus is still on providers to properly configure Skype’s settings for HIPAA-compliant PHI transmission.

As long as the proper packages and protections are implemented, Skype provides a convenient and secure communication platform for providers and patients.

Using Microsoft Teams for HIPAA Compliant Telehealth

Microsoft Teams has become the go-to platform for communication and collaboration in many organizations, including healthcare. With its robust features for messaging, video meetings, and file sharing, it’s easy to see why. But for healthcare providers, there’s an important question that must be asked: Is Microsoft Teams HIPAA compliant?

The short answer is – it depends. Microsoft Teams itself is not inherently HIPAA compliant. However, it can be configured and used in a HIPAA compliant manner.

The key factors are: 

1). Having a Business Associate Agreement (BAA) in place with Microsoft,

2). and how the platform is actually used by the organization.

Let’s break it down.

Microsoft offers a BAA for Teams as part of qualifying Office 365 plans. This essentially designates Microsoft as a HIPAA business associate, legally bound to protect any protected health information (PHI) stored or shared on Teams. But the healthcare organization itself must also implement proper safeguards in how they use Teams day-to-day.

Proper use cases are things like scheduling, general communication with staff, and non-PHI collaboration. Once you start transmitting actual patient data, then HIPAA compliance becomes mandatory. This means setting user permissions, enabling encryption, multi-factor authentication, automatic sign-out, and proper backup of any PHI stored on Teams. Proper training of staff on HIPAA-compliant use is also essential.

In summary, Microsoft Teams itself is HIPAA compliant only if the required BAA is in place and the platform is used appropriately for PHI data. By default it is not compliant. But with the right setup and training, Teams can certainly be an invaluable, secure communication tool for the modern healthcare workplace. The key is understanding how to configure and use it in a way that keeps sensitive data protected, as required by HIPAA.

What is the difference BAA and Privacy Policy for Telehealth?

The difference between a BAA and a privacy policy for video calls is an important one for any healthcare organization to understand.

At its core, a BAA (business associate agreement) is a contract between a HIPAA covered entity like a hospital or doctor’s office and a business associate like a video conferencing provider. The BAA establishes what the business associate is allowed to do with any protected health information (PHI) they may come into contact with. It lays out their specific responsibilities around securing and safeguarding that data.

A privacy policy, on the other hand, is a public-facing document that informs users of the video conferencing platform about how their personal data will be collected, used, and protected. It speaks in broader strokes about the types of information gathered and the measures taken to keep it private.

While a BAA and a privacy policy have some overlap in setting expectations around data practices, the BAA is a legally binding agreement while the privacy policy is more of an informational notice.

The BAA provides recourse if the business associate mismanages PHI, with fines and potential termination of the contract on the table. The privacy policy does not carry that same weight – it is a policy, not a contract. Healthcare organizations should absolutely review a video conferencing provider’s privacy policy to understand their data handling at a high level. But that policy does not take the place of a detailed BAA that holds the vendor accountable as a true business associate under HIPAA.

For any healthcare organization selecting technology partners that may encounter PHI, having both a solid BAA and a transparent privacy policy in place provides overlapping levels of protection for patient health data.

Conclusion

Compliant Telehealth is easier than you think, but only with BellMedEx!

Telemedicine should be convenient for your practice, not a compliance headache. While most generic video chat tools leave your patients’ data at risk, BellMedEx’s HIPAA-ready EHR platform offers seamless telehealth integration that checks all the regulatory boxes. Experience straightforward virtual care capabilities that protect patient data end-to-end.

Telehealth During COVID-19

• According to a survey, 85% of Indian physicians used telemedicine daily during the pandemic.
• According to McKinsey, the percentage of virtual visits in telemedicine increased from 11% in 2019 to 76% in 2020.
• A Merritt Hawkins survey found that 48% of healthcare professionals had opted to treat their patients via telemedicine.
• According to CDC.gov, compared to March 2019, telehealth visits increased by 154% in March 2020.
• According to a recent report, the worldwide telemedicine industry is projected to be worth USD 42.5 billion in 2021 and USD 73.2 billion by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of 11.5%.

In this blog, we will learn about telehealth and how it helps practices to improve medical operations.

What is Telehealth?

The delivery of medical services using technology is known as Telehealth or telemedicine. Today’s telehealth technologies can assist small clinics in giving their patients a high standard of care. Practices can use these technologies to become more productive and efficient than ever if they thoroughly understand them and everything they offer.

Telehealth Vs Telemedicine

Let’s understand the standard terms used in healthcare, such as telehealth and telemedicine.

Telehealth 

Telehealth comprises various services that are rendered remotely. It does not have any patient-doctor relationship. Nurses, social workers, and pharmacists usually provide these services. For instance, they support patients and their carers in addressing health difficulties, social support, medication adherence, and patient health education.

Telemedicine

Telemedicine is the utilization of the latest technology for communication to deliver services related to medical, diagnostic, and treatment. Usually, doctors utilize telemedicine. For example, they check the patient’s treatment progress and conduct laboratory tests. The purpose of telemedicine services is to provide healthcare services to the patient at their doorstep. 

Types of Telehealth/Telemedicine

Although many different forms of telehealth exist, three main types exist in today’s medical industry. The benefits of each category vary and can support you and your patients in different ways depending on what you need to get a full scope of their health.

Telehealth may have various types, but there are four main types in today’s healthcare landscape. Each type can benefit the patients and practitioners in different scenarios. 

Three major telehealth types are:

1. Live Video Conferencing 
2. Asynchronous Video (AKA Store-and-Forward)
3. Remote-Patient monitoring

Live Video-Conferencing

Live video conferencing is a significant telehealth. It is also known as real-time interactive telemedicine. It is the most commonly used form of telehealth. As its name indicates, video-conferencing is a two-way—video-based interaction between a doctor and a patient. All practices, physicians, and hospitals can utilize it to deliver their services. Telemedicine helps minimize the time and distance to provide patient care. The patient-care services are delivered via messaging, phone, or video conferencing apps. The Physicians and practices provide video-conferencing care in case of emergency. 

Asynchronous Video (Store-and-Forward)

Asynchronous is also known as store-and-forward telemedicine. This type of telehealth is also for rendering healthcare services at patients’ doorstep where physicians are unavailable. It is usually used in rural areas without enough medical facilities. The medical data and patient documentation, such as images (MRI scans and X-rays), laboratory reports, sound and video studies, etc, are transferred electronically in this form. Electronic health records (EHRs) store and exchange patient data. 

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) is also the most used type of telehealth. It is used to check the medical conditions of patients remotely using innovative medical equipment like wearable devices (heart monitors, skin patches, smart shoes, or smartwatches). This type usually helps providers examine the patients in case of chronic diseases like heart disease, asthma, etc.

How Telehealth Helps Healthcare Providers

Telehealth simplifies the care delivery process for practices and healthcare providers. It is a rapid way to provide the services at the patient’s doorstep. As a result, they can carry out maximum checkups, boosting revenue collection. 

Here’s how telehealth helps healthcare providers. 

Patient-Centric Care Delivery

Patient-centric care delivery is an essential factor for providers. Telehealth enables them to provide online services with the help of teleconsultation solutions. Telehealth also helps integrate patient records into electronic health records (EHRS) to provide patients with seamless information and timely access to their needs. In this way, telehealth ensures patient-centric care delivery, making practice efficient and trustable among the patients. 

Better Consultation and Collaboration

Telehealth has transformed the way of healthcare delivery. It has made the collaboration and consultation process more efficient and seamless. Doctors, nurses, and patients can collaborate. For example, telehealth helps them collaborate in the follow-up process. Additionally, in the consultation process, telehealth provides real-time access to doctors, allowing patients to consult with them on complex issues without hassle. 

Faster Services of Care

Providing fast healthcare delivery is also essential for practices covering a wide range of areas, especially providing care to patients residing in remote areas. Telehealth has reduced the distance from patients to doctors or doctors to patients, as physical presence is no longer essential. Doctors can contact their patients remotely using video-conferencing and other sources to check and provide them with prescriptions and medications. Due to this, healthcare delivery has become fast, thanks to telehealth in healthcare. 

Excellent Patient Engagement

Patient engagement is crucial for the success of medical practice. Telehealth empowers patients to remain engaged using innovative tools like smartphones, computers, and other digital devices. These devices help them book online appointments, take consultations, make payments, etc. Patient engagement with doctors becomes more convenient and seamless by using telehealth technology to make audio calls or video conferencing. The patients can share and consult on the medical test reports with the physician. They can also download medical reports using these platforms for future use. Finally, we can say that telehealth has dramatically enhanced patient engagement. 

Maximized Revenue

The ultimate objective of telehealth is to lower the overall cost of care. As telehealth enables doctors to connect with a new patient group outside their towns and cities, they can earn more money. Further, since teleconsultation makes it simple for patients to follow up, it may generate profits from clients who otherwise might not be interested in doing so if their health has improved. Additionally, telehealth’s facilitation of second viewpoints can result in a new source of income. 

Consequently, by using these virtual solutions, healthcare professionals can observe a rise in the patient population.

Reduces Patient No Shows

No-shows by patients can have a significant negative financial and operational impact on healthcare services. According to hospital officials, the patient must be contacted again to reschedule any canceled visits. This consumes the extra time the employees would otherwise have freed up.

Thankfully, patients may view doctors’ availability and independently rearrange appointments thanks to the digital ease provided by telehealth. As a result, telemedicine gives both patients and doctors more flexibility.

Increases Patient Satisfaction

Telehealth’s virtual services facilitate the development of a solid doctor-patient relationship. Everything is convenient for patients, from making an online appointment to paying bills online. Patients who use these services save time during doctor appointments and money on travel costs. This may ultimately improve patient satisfaction by enhancing the overall patient experience.

Telehealth Reimbursement for Providers

In a KLAS-CHIME study from October of last year, over 50 percent of respondents from 104 healthcare organizations indicated that limits on reimbursement constrict their ability to expand telehealth services for patients. Medicare and Medicaid offer disparate degrees of flexibility, while private payers represent varying funding levels.

Telehealth Reimbursement

Final Thoughts

Telehealth is a rapidly expanding medical service that offers patients and physicians many advantages. The most effective methods for billing and coding will change as it develops. It could be challenging to follow the regulations for virtual visits. This is because they fluctuate constantly or may differ amongst payers. You must also perform in-person visits and other administrative duties in addition to that.