FirstHealth of the Carolinas’ groundbreaking Virtual Provider program has revolutionized healthcare access, reducing the waiting time for patients leaving ERs or convenience clinics from weeks to mere hours. By leveraging telemedicine technology, this initiative targets patients with unmanaged chronic conditions, promptly connecting them to virtual providers within 24 to 72 hours. Comprising three pivotal components, the program not only streamlines patient care but also facilitates staff shortages and significantly enhances Medicare wellness visit completion rates, achieving an impressive 72% success rate. Through strategic promotion and integration into existing workflows, the program has not only gained momentum but also substantially increased patient access, billing over 500 wRVUs monthly, and providing crucial support during provider absences. FirstHealth’s success serves as a testament to the transformative potential of telemedicine in modern healthcare.
In the landscape of modern healthcare, accessibility to timely and efficient medical care stands as a critical challenge. FirstHealth of the Carolinas emerged as a pioneer in addressing this issue through its innovative Virtual Provider program. Acknowledging the pressing need for immediate care for patients with chronic conditions leaving emergency rooms or convenience clinics, this program strategically employs telemedicine solutions to bridge the gap between patient needs and access to healthcare providers. With a tri-fold approach focusing on immediate access, staff support during shortages, and facilitating Medicare wellness visits, this initiative has redefined the paradigm of healthcare access. The success of this program not only highlights its transformative impact on patient care but also underscores the importance of embracing technology-driven solutions in revolutionizing healthcare delivery.
FirstHealth of the Carolinas has revolutionized patient access with its innovative Virtual Provider program. What once took weeks for patients leaving the ER or a convenience clinic to secure an appointment with a primary care provider now happens within hours. Leveraging the power of virtual care, this initiative has not only expedited access but also achieved a remarkable 72% completion rate for Medicare annual wellness visits.
The healthcare industry grapples with a severe shortage of providers, compounded by alarming levels of burnout. While this challenge isn’t new, uncovering effective solutions to address access issues is a breakthrough, and FirstHealth of the Carolinas has achieved precisely that by harnessing telemedicine technology.
The program consists of three key components:
1. Initial Access Point: Designed for patients visiting Convenient Care clinics or ERs without a primary care provider, particularly those with unmanaged chronic conditions like hypertension and diabetes. These patients are promptly connected with a virtual provider within 24 to 72 hours, eliminating the wait for an in-person appointment.
2. Onsite Support: Onsite providers collaborate with virtual providers by performing necessary tests or blood work during the patient’s clinic visit, ensuring seamless coordination and efficiency for subsequent virtual consultations.
3. Support and Medicare Wellness Visits: The Virtual Provider program assists primary care providers by completing Medicare annual wellness visits, contributing significantly to the health system’s impressive 72% completion rate.
Operated through the Epic platform and Epic tele-video, the program initially faced skepticism but has gained momentum since its launch in June 2022. By highlighting its value in improving patient access, alleviating clinic loads, and ensuring continuity of care during provider absences, the program has garnered increased support.
FirstHealth actively promoted the program by engaging stakeholders, conducting meetings, and integrating it into existing workflows. Consequently, the program has witnessed substantial growth, billing over 500 wRVUs monthly, achieving high completion rates for wellness visits, and significantly reducing the time for patients to access primary care.
Stephen Kapa emphasized the transformative power of telemedicine and urged healthcare organizations to invest time and effort into developing and promoting similar programs tailored to their unique needs. The Virtual Provider program’s success has not only expanded patient bases but has also provided crucial support for healthcare professionals, ensuring uninterrupted care for patients even in their absence.
Angela Walling, a nurse practitioner at FirstHealth, praised the program’s role in facilitating referrals to clinics with shorter wait times, contributing to the growth of their rural clinic. Additionally, it has seamlessly supported patient care during provider absences, showcasing its invaluable contribution to enhancing patient outcomes and healthcare delivery.
The Virtual Provider program orchestrated by FirstHealth of the Carolinas serves as a beacon of hope and innovation in the realm of healthcare accessibility. Its ability to swiftly connect patients with chronic conditions to virtual providers within hours of leaving care facilities has reshaped the conventional patient-provider interaction. Moreover, by assisting in staff shortages, improving Medicare wellness visit completion rates, and significantly reducing waiting times for primary care appointments, this initiative has set a precedent for effective healthcare delivery. The program’s success, achieved through strategic promotion, integration, and commitment to patient-centric care, underscores the transformative potential of telemedicine. It stands as a testament to the power of innovative solutions in overcoming challenges and creating a more accessible, efficient, and patient-focused healthcare landscape.
