Many medical practices are continuing to use advances that we came to rely on during the pandemic. From virtual appointments to remote meetings with partners, technology can help a medical practice to stay ahead in this competitive market but what about the risks? It is important for groups to take both the benefits and the risks into consideration before adding or continuing to use these tools.
Benefits: increased access
One of the primary benefits is the fact that patients in remote or underserved areas gain access to healthcare services without the need for travel. This is especially important for visits after a hospital discharge. A recent report from a health system that made use of virtual clinic appointments for patients when released from the hospital reported a 26% decrease in readmission rates. In addition to better outcomes, virtual consultations can reduce overhead costs for providers and lower expenses for patients as well.
The ability to offer a remote work environment for physicians can also help practices hiring new candidates in different locations throughout the country that may not have otherwise chosen to work at their location.
Risks: the legalities
Healthcare providers must navigate a complex legal landscape when offering virtual services. It is important to account for these two key considerations:
- Licensing requirements: Providers must ensure compliance with state-specific licensing laws. Practicing across state lines often requires additional licenses.
- Privacy and security: The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) mandates strict privacy and security measures for patient data. Virtual services must adhere to these regulations to protect sensitive information.
Providers must address these legal requirements to avoid potential liabilities and better ensure compliance with federal and state laws.
With proactive planning, medical practices can offer virtual services in a way that benefits not just their practice but also their patients. Internal audits of existing operations or future plans can help identify any problem areas, such as potential violations of federal regulations, and provide a solution to operate within compliance of these regulations.
Attorney John Rivas is responsible for this communication.
