Top of Mind 2021 Program Recap

29 Top of Mind 2021 Recap of Health and Human Services, added telehealth could help to drive a reduction in unnecessary utilization of hospital services, such as entering an emergency department when what is needed are dental or mental health care, for example. “But imagine immediate referrals to telehealth in those settings,” Uehlecke said. “I think there are many areas for which we can move forward and do it at a cost savings.” There are few impediments to using telehealth to reach more people. Patients trust telehealth as a mode for discussing health concerns with their doctors. Many providers have come around to the benefits of virtual care. Reimbursement for telehealth has increased, which was long a stumbling block. “The things that we should never go backwards on, and hopefully never will, are provider and consumer trust and reimbursement,” Uehlecke said. Importance of the digital front door Regular and consistent use of telehealth, including remote monitoring, texting, asynchronous tools, and video visits, that moves care beyond episodic treatment will allow health systems to better manage the health of patients with chronic conditions. Jim Sheets, Chief Operating Officer, Specialty Based Care at Intermountain Healthcare, commented that better management should lead to reduced overutilization, “because people are going to get what they need when they need it in a regular, synergistic fashion.” Another important component of this strategy, which both Intermountain and UPMC are investing in, is the health system’s digital front door, which leverages technology at the consumer’s fingertips to schedule appointments, view their health records, and receive other health information. “We need all of that easy access technology that helps you manage your life, and we need to bring that into health care,” Sheets said.