With budget cuts to Medicare, we can assume that home health care agencies are looking for ways to save money. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services is pushing for more home health agencies to participate in “telehealth.” Instead of visiting homes, home health agencies can collect information, offer diagnoses and medical advice via telephone. (Medical News Today)
The goals of telehealth include:
- Reducing the rate of hospitalization
- Increasing the rate of influenza and pneumococcal vaccinations
- Transforming corporate culture
- Integrating telehealth into home health agencies’ services
At some point, the costs of telehealth conferences may be reimbursable. The American Association for Homecare reports on the cost savings and effectiveness of telehealth programs. Telehealth has resulted in a “dramatic decrease” in hospital stays and ER visits.