Telehealth Technology: What Do You Need to Get Started?

Telehealth technology is here to stay. Nearly 85% of physicians practice telemedicine, and Congress has voted to allow Medicare patients to continue using telehealth services even as the COVID-19 pandemic subsides.

The reasons are clear: telehealth technologies cut costs, improve access to care, and create more opportunities for communication and coordination among patients, providers, and specialists. But challenges remain. How do you select and implement the right telehealth technology platform for your business? How do you keep it safe from cybercriminals? How do you train your patients and staff to maximize the potential of telehealth technology?

We’ve got answers. Keep reading to discover proven best practices for implementing telehealth technology for your healthcare organization.

What Infrastructure Do You Need to Support Telehealth Technology?

The success of telehealth services relies on a combination of advanced hardware, software, and network infrastructure. Here are the key elements you need:

• Internet connectivity: A reliable high-speed Internet connection is crucial for any telehealth technology platform. Both patient and provider should have access to stable internet connections to help ensure seamless communication during virtual visits.
• Hardware and software: Devices used for telehealth services — whether desktops, laptops, smartphones, or tablets — should feature advanced audio and video capabilities to facilitate real-time interactions and accurate diagnostics.
• Data storage and management: Telehealth technology platforms generate large amounts of data that need secure storage to comply with federal regulations while maintaining performance. Generally, cloud-based storage provides scalability and flexibility at a predictable cost, while on-premises storage solutions offer more customization and control options.
• Disaster recovery: A HIPAA-compliant telehealth platform minimizes data loss in case of system failures, natural disasters, or cyberattacks. Healthcare organizations often create detailed disaster recovery plans, outlining policies and procedures to maintain critical systems’ security, integrity, and continuity under adverse conditions.

Security Considerations for Telehealth Initiatives

A successful telehealth program must adhere to state and federal regulations — particularly HIPAA and HITECH. In practice, this means always protecting patient health information and implementing proven security measures to prevent unauthorized disclosure.

• Encryption Matters: Protecting data during transmission and storage is vital. An effective telehealth technology platform must use robust encryption protocols on secure communication channels to protect sensitive health information.
• User Authentication: Only authorized individuals should access patient data. Implementing secure measures like strong passwords, multi-factor authentication (MFA), and role-based controls (RBAC) helps prevent unauthorized access to sensitive health records.
• Risk Management Team: Consider establishing a dedicated risk management team to monitor and optimize your telehealth technology security strategy. This team would play a crucial role in evaluating the integrity of your infrastructure, developing an actionable plan for long-term risk management, conducting hands-on training sessions for staff, and continuously assessing your security policies. Taking a proactive approach guarantees a consistently robust and effective security posture.

How to Select a Telehealth Technology Platform

Finding the right telehealth platform is essential for aligning with your organization’s goals. Here are key factors to keep in mind:

• Your objectives: Consider the specific features needed for your patients, providers, and staff. For example, will you focus solely on video consultations or offer remote patient monitoring for chronic conditions? Do you want the ability to schedule and manage appointments within the platform? Which telehealth technologies will integrate most smoothly with your electronic health records (EHR) systems?
• User experience: Ensure the telehealth technology platform is user-friendly for both patients and providers. Does it have an intuitive interface? Is it mobile-friendly?
• Cost factors: Pricing can be confusing and complex. Consider upfront fees, transaction fees, subscription costs, and additional charges for features or services you might require. Consider whether you will pay a premium for higher-quality features and functionality.

Telehealth Training and Education for Your Staff

Successfully implementing a telehealth platform requires more than just familiarity with the software. A robust training program is essential to ensure your staff can navigate the platform, conduct virtual visits, access health information, and communicate effectively with patients and colleagues.

Your staff also needs to be well-versed in telehealth technology cyber security protocols. This includes managing passwords, securely transmitting data, and safeguarding patient information.

Additionally, training should cover virtual communication skills like building rapport, active listening, expressing empathy, and interpreting non-verbal cues in a digital setting. An understanding of legal and ethical best practices, like obtaining informed consent, maintaining appropriate boundaries, and following protocols during crises or emergencies, is equally important.

When developing your telehealth training program, consider reviewing your organization’s workflows and processes. Update relevant documentation to maintain consistency. For example, establish a streamlined, repeatable process for scheduling telehealth appointments, obtaining consent forms, preparing patients for their telehealth visits, and providing tech support for patients who may be unfamiliar with telehealth technology. This ensures everyone stays on the same page, contributing to the smooth and effective integration of telehealth into your healthcare practice.

Looking for Expert Assistance in Deploying Telehealth Technology?

With over 25 years of expertise, IT Solutions offers comprehensive managed services to alleviate the burden on your Healthcare organization’s IT system. Our solutions ensure fast, reliable, and secure network access, addressing common challenges that arise with telehealth implementation. Trusted by over 16,000 healthcare workers, we prioritize compliance, with our entire team trained in HIPAA and PCI security best practices. Ready to discuss how our specialized services can benefit your organization? Reach out to us at 866.742.5487 or send a message to start the conversation.