It will dependent on how much longer virtual visits are required due to the Covid-19 pandemic. People have perceived it as a great asset in being able to continue receiving and providing care during our current situation, however, there are many who have not used it and others who are not yet comfortable with it but use it out of necessity. Older people tend to prefer in office visits, others don't like change. It is hard to predict where the next 6-12 months might end up since we aren't thought our current crisis yet and perceptions of the process are still be formed. As more people are required to use virtual visits it has a greater chance of staying in place from the patient perspective, however, CMS will end up driving the end result.
Whatever_CMS_Wants - 5 years ago
The use of virtual visits will be driven by CMS policies on billing, which the other insurers then tend to follow. If CMS reverts to the prior restrictive policies on Telehealth then it will drop precipitously. If not, rates will stay relatively high for anything not requiring hands on exam or testing. Of course, Telehealth platforms need to continue to be improved so they are efficient for patients and providers — there are still a lot of glitches and workarounds. But, like everything in healthcare, it all depends on the money....
It will dependent on how much longer virtual visits are required due to the Covid-19 pandemic. People have perceived it as a great asset in being able to continue receiving and providing care during our current situation, however, there are many who have not used it and others who are not yet comfortable with it but use it out of necessity. Older people tend to prefer in office visits, others don't like change. It is hard to predict where the next 6-12 months might end up since we aren't thought our current crisis yet and perceptions of the process are still be formed. As more people are required to use virtual visits it has a greater chance of staying in place from the patient perspective, however, CMS will end up driving the end result.
The use of virtual visits will be driven by CMS policies on billing, which the other insurers then tend to follow. If CMS reverts to the prior restrictive policies on Telehealth then it will drop precipitously. If not, rates will stay relatively high for anything not requiring hands on exam or testing. Of course, Telehealth platforms need to continue to be improved so they are efficient for patients and providers — there are still a lot of glitches and workarounds. But, like everything in healthcare, it all depends on the money....