Re: PT and Telemedicine : Would like to have input and references this from the list

[Guest guest]

Steve,

Thanks for bringing up an interesting topic...

To my knowledge, the PT profession has had limited exposure to

telemedicine (communication between provider and patient), though I've

seen telecommunications (communication between provider and provider)

used in the administration of rehab organizations for years.

In medicine, there is a very innovative model gaining traction with

physicians whereby physician-patient communication is " virtualized " in

part through the use of email, instant messaging, video conference, and

even the iPhone. The model is a hybrid between " brick-and-mortar " care

and electronic communications which are becoming more and more

mainstream (and desirable) to both providers and patients.

There are issues with this model of care (privacy and liability to name

a couple), but with the current state of healthcare reimbursement,

especially for primary care providers, this model is getting much

attention as it provides improved efficiency and enhanced communication

both for the provider and the patient - 2 very important pieces to the

healthcare puzzle. The other important piece, the insurer, is even

taking notice through pilot reimbursement programs for physicians who

use email to communicate with patients. Here is a link

<http://www.vantageclinicalsolutions.com/blog/2008/05/22/email-in-medica\

l-care-starting-to-catch-on-in-medical-practice-health-care/> to

information about physician reimbursement for the use of email in

primary care.

At the forefront of this hybrid model within primary care is Jay

Parkinson, a physician in Brooklyn, NY who has modeled his entire

practice on the combined use of email, IM, video chat, and house calls

to care for his patients. Patients pay out of pocket for his services,

and the fees are reasonable - designed for the working class. Recently,

Dr. Parkinson partnered with a Canadian company, Myca, who has developed

an intuitive platform that is being used to take this care model into

communities throughout the U.S. Here is a link

<http://www.vantageclinicalsolutions.com/blog/2008/05/08/virtualization-\

of-physician-communications/> to a quick video about how Dr. Parkinson

practices healthcare in his virtual practice, as well as information

about his communications platform.

Whether this type of communication or care model eventually has an

impact on our profession remains to be seen, but I think it pays to take

notice of what is happening in primary care as trends that ultimately

shake out for one profession may soon influence ours.

Tannus Quatre PT, MBA

Practice Consultant

Vantage Clinical Solutions, Inc.

www.vantageclinicalsolutions.com

<http://www.vantageclinicalsolutions.com>

>

> I had a psychologist approach me yesterday asking what PTs are doing

> in the area of Telemedicine. I was not sure and thought I would ask

> the list if anyone is participating in this.

>

> Steve Marcum PT

> Lexington, KY

> Outpatient

>