A survey by the Virginia Telehealth Network reveals that 80% of telehealth providers in Virginia have witnessed improvements in patient continuity of care, and 87% feel confident in the quality of care provided through telehealth. The survey also highlights the need for enhanced internet connectivity and interpreter services. While providers are expanding their patient reach beyond local communities, ensuring equitable access and addressing legal considerations for cross-state care remain important.
A recent survey conducted by the Virginia Telehealth Network sheds light on the widespread acceptance of telemedicine among healthcare providers. The findings indicate that the majority of telehealth caregivers in Virginia are confident in the quality of care delivered through virtual platforms. Notably, 80% of providers using telehealth reported improved continuity of care for their patients, while 87% expressed confidence in the care provided via telehealth. The survey encompassed over 10,500 active licensed healthcare professionals throughout the state.
Healthcare IT News had the opportunity to interview Mara Servaites, the executive director, and Robin Cummings, the special projects director of the Virginia Telehealth Network, to delve into the survey results and gain insights into the state’s telemedicine landscape.
Q: The survey uncovered intriguing insights into Virginia providers’ perspectives on continuity of care and the quality of care provided through telehealth. What factors do you attribute to these findings?
Cummings: Our survey tracked these aspects from the initial assessment to the subsequent one. We observed a growth in the number of providers who agree or strongly agree that telehealth is an effective tool for delivering care. They have gained confidence in the quality of care provided through telehealth and have witnessed improvements in their patients’ continuity of care.
Services: This can be attributed, in part, to a “practice makes perfect” scenario. As people have become more accustomed to telehealth, they have incorporated better workflows into their practices, as have their collaborating providers. With increased familiarity and improved documentation and workflows, we are witnessing overall progress in telehealth adoption.
Q: What have you discovered about providers’ plans to increase or decrease their utilization of telehealth now that the public health emergency has ended? What factors do you think contribute to these plans?
Cummings: We have observed a slight reduction in reliance on telehealth as operations return to pre-COVID norms. Interestingly, we are seeing an upward trend in providers acknowledging that telehealth offers scheduling flexibility and enables them to serve more patients.
This normalization process reflects what makes sense for each provider and their patients. A virtual practice may not be suitable for every provider, and that is perfectly acceptable.
Services: We are moving toward a balanced approach that maximizes telehealth utilization while acknowledging that this modality may not be suitable for all services or patients.
Another factor that could impact long-term telehealth use is reimbursement, especially with the expiration of the public health emergency (PHE). This has led to a great deal of confusion and misinformation. Although telehealth remains a reimbursable service, there is a prevailing sense of uncertainty regarding its permanence, which creates anxiety among providers when making long-term plans.
Cummings: Despite the extensions of the PHE and related provisions, providers are still navigating their new normal. Questions arise around what is permissible in this space, potential reimbursement risks, and the need to adapt policies and practices to meet evolving requirements.
Q: How does the survey reflect the role of telemedicine in addressing barriers to patient care and expanding patient reach? What do these results indicate about telehealth in Virginia?
Services: The survey highlights existing barriers, which persist in areas such as technology and connectivity. Internet connectivity emerged as a significant area for improvement to enhance the patient experience with telehealth.
Cummings: Absolutely. Enhancing internet connectivity would greatly improve the overall patient experience with telehealth, particularly for populations with limited access to technology and low digital literacy.
The follow-up survey identified a growing need for improved access to interpreter services. While telehealth enables providers to expand their patient panels, it also reveals increased demand for support to provide better care to patients.
Q: The survey indicates that providers are taking on new patients beyond their local communities. What does this imply, and is there a health equity aspect to this?
Cummings: The distribution of healthcare providers has long been a challenge. Telehealth enables the expansion of provider networks to reach underserved rural and urban areas, especially in specialties where physical presence is not feasible in all communities.
However, there is still work to be done to ensure equitable telehealth access for all communities. We are excited to see innovative solutions to address confidential telehealth access, such as collaborations between healthcare providers and local libraries or clinics.
In the mental and behavioral health space, patients in small communities often feel more comfortable seeking care from providers located farther away to maintain confidentiality. This aspect also plays a role in patient preferences and comfort levels.
Services: When providers consider serving patients beyond their local community, it is crucial to be aware of the legal frameworks and regulations regarding cross-state patient care. They need clarity on what is permissible and how it aligns with their malpractice coverage.
Additionally, providers should regularly obtain information about the patient’s location, and address, and ensure appropriate measures are in place for emergencies. It is essential to determine whether the patient has crossed state lines, as this impacts the provision of care across state boundaries.
