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Patients vastly prefer in-person care and hybrid care over virtual-only care. A recent survey of more than 2,000 U.S. adults found that 35% of consumers prefer a hybrid approach while only 6% of those surveyed preferred a virtual-only model. Selecting the right telehealth provider partner that offers a hybrid healthcare model is of utmost importance for healthcare providers. As this innovative approach combines in-person consultations, telehealth visits, and patient self-management, it's crucial for hospitals to maintain control of the patient relationship, referrals, and revenue streams. Here are the key considerations that can help healthcare providers achieve these goals while implementing Hybrid Health:
1. Data Privacy: A telehealth platform should have end-to-end encryption and meet the highest standards of storage security, access controls, data transmission, and consent and authorization processes. Further the platform should be fully HIPAA, GDPR, and HiTrust compliant with a SOC2 certification.
2. White-Label Solutions: Opting for a telehealth provider that offers white-label solutions empowers hospitals to maintain their brand identity and patient relationships. White-label platforms can be customized to seamlessly integrate with the hospital's branding, ensuring a consistent experience for patients across all touchpoints. This branding continuity helps build patient trust and loyalty while reinforcing the hospital's role as the primary healthcare provider.
3. Referral Management: A telehealth provider that prioritizes effective referral management is essential. Hospitals must have control over the referral process, ensuring that patients are directed to appropriate specialists or services within the hospital's network. This maintains continuity of care, strengthens patient loyalty, and avoids losing patients to external providers.
4. Revenue Sharing Models: When selecting a telehealth provider, consider the revenue sharing models they offer. Look for providers that offer fair and transparent revenue-sharing arrangements that allow hospitals to retain a significant portion of the revenue generated through telehealth consultations. This way, hospitals can avoid losing substantial revenue while expanding their services through telehealth.
5. Data Ownership and Integration: Ensuring data ownership and seamless integration with existing systems are crucial. The telehealth provider should allow hospitals to retain ownership of patient data generated through telehealth visits. Additionally, the platform should integrate with the hospital's electronic health record (EHR) system, streamlining data exchange and care coordination between in-person and remote consultations.
6. Customizable Care Plans: A telehealth provider that offers customizable care plans enhances the hospital's ability to design personalized treatment regimens for patients. This level of customization ensures that the hospital's medical expertise remains at the forefront of patient care, further solidifying the hospital's role as the central healthcare provider.
7. Remote Patient Monitoring: The option to connect continuous patient monitoring to the hospital EHR via the telehealth platform allows for real-time intervention when concerning data occurs. If the patient can see their record in real time then it also improves patient engagement and has the potential to reduce overall health care costs. This is a win-win for both the patient and the health care providers.
By carefully considering these key factors, healthcare providers can confidently select a telehealth provider that empowers them to maintain control over patient relationships, referrals, and revenue streams. Implementing Hybrid Health with the right telehealth partner ensures a seamless blend of in-person and remote care, benefiting both patients and the hospital's bottom line.
