7 Key Benefits Of Telemedicine For Clinicians

Welcome to the first of many clinician blogs, where anything and everything a clinician would want to know is discussed! How do you benefit from telemedicine, you may ask? Well let's find out! 

While there are pros and cons with telemedicine; as there are with any developing area, the benefits are undeniable for both clinicians and patients. Telemedicine is not meant to replace in-person visits but to aid in the healthcare process.

This blog will cover seven key benefits for clinicians looking at a career in telemedicine. 

What is telemedicine?

Telemedicine and telehealth are typically used interchangeably in the virtual care world. However, they refer to two different things. Telemedicine is the use of remote clinical services to communicate with patients synchronously and asynchronously. Telehealth is the overarching term referring to a variety of remote healthcare services. 

According to the American Hospital Association (AHA), 76% of U.S. hospitals connect with patients and clinicians through telehealth communications. Here are a few benefits of telemedicine for clinicians.

1. Expanded access to healthcare

The barrier to healthcare, caused by systemic disparities, can be removed through the practice of telemedicine. Many patients struggle due to the lack of health insurance, living in rural or underserved urban areas and limited access to specialists in close proximity. Clinicians now have the ability to provide quality care to more patients. 

Some telemedicine services offer round-the-clock access with call centers or nurse advice lines. This is beneficial for infants, young children and the chronically ill. The ability for a quicker response saves time for the clinician and patient. 

2. Improved patient outcomes

The time constraint with chronic conditions can make patient monitoring a challenge. Remote patient monitoring (RPM) tools remove this challenge from the equation. They transmit data and readings to medical professionals alerting them to new symptoms, worsening conditions and potential emergencies. This shortens the response time making it an efficient process for patients with chronic conditions.

Clinicians are able to focus more on the patient and treatment with the decrease in time constraint. 

3. Increased patient engagement and satisfaction

With the effects of the pandemic, some patients (high risk, immunocompromised or those with preexisting conditions) have additional anxiety with the risk of exposure. Telemedicine offers them a comfortable and safe way to receive the healthcare they need. It reduces the exposure of pathogens, influenza and the common cold for clinicians as well. Clinicians can use remote visits to prescreen patients for contagious diseases. 

Not only does this increase the comfort and safety of patients but it also saves them and the clinician time on the road. Clinicians often travel to different hospitals to treat their patients. Instead of a prolonged time between visits, clinicians are able to see them through virtual care. This is a game changer for rural patients!

4. Decreased no-shows and last-minute cancellations

No-shows or cancellations can be burdensome for clinicians. Not only does it waste the clinicians’ time, but drains hospital resources. Hospitals are an institution with necessities to function. While frustrating, telemedicine decreases the issue by eliminating the causing factors, including:

• Transportation

• Time off work 

• Child care coordination

• Disabilities / mobility challenges

Remote visits allow a patient to attend an appointment at any time, from anywhere without external worries. This reduces the inconvenience to clinicians and improves efficiency, access and quality care. 

5. Flexible scheduling

Just as patients can receive care from home, clinicians are given the opportunity to work from home as needed. With the development of modern telemedicine technology, these tools can be used virtually anywhere, at any time. This gives clinicians the option for extended hours in the evenings or on weekends. 

Telemedicine also encourages clinicians to invest in a healthier work / life balance. For those reluctant to travel on business or take time off, it reduces this stress. A remote visit can be conducted any place with a strong wifi connection. 

6. Insurance reimbursement

Medicare, Medicaid and other private health insurance companies offer clinicians and therapists reimbursement for many telehealth services today. It’s important to check with the payer you are contracted with or want to be contracted with because each plan is different and reimbursement parameters can vary. 

7. Reduced overhead costs

With the convenience of telemedicine, clinicians may decrease their overhead costs with:

• Less front desk / admin support

• Lower travel costs

• Better staff utilization

• Reduced paperwork

• Increased provider-to-provider communication

Powering patient care for clinicians 

OpenLoop, thoughtfully pairs leading clinicians with innovative healthcare organizations  providing virtual and in-person care in all 50 states. Our easy-to-use technology was designed with clinicians top-of-mind for seamless scheduling, efficient visits and note charting. With 6,000+ providers already in our clinician network, you can tap into the OpenLoop advantage too with:

• Nationwide connections

• Expansive patient network

• Sync & async options

• Flexible scheduling

• Competitive pay

• Dedicated provider support

Interested in expanding your reach as a provider? Apply to our clinician network!