The University of Mississippi Medical Center (UMMC) Center for Telehealth held their fall training on November 10, 2015, in Jackson.
The agenda included many sessions led by experts in the field of Telehealth. Attendees learned about the requirements of building an effective Telehealth program, including the clinical, nursing and administrative components; explored Telehealth technology; and listened to healthcare professionals discuss their perspectives of using Telehealth in their practices.
Attendees learned:
• Patients served through Telehealth receive the same standard of care as that offered during in-person visit
• Telehealth follows HIPAA regulations and ensures patient privacy
• Telehealth enhances the follow up and monitoring of patients in an efficient and convenient way, saving patients time and money
• Patients living in rural areas have better access to specialty services
• Telehealth technology can be used to educate as well as treat patients
During a panel discussion, physicians were asked about their perceptions of using Telehealth. Dr. Richard Finley, Director of Medical Analytics for the UMMC Center for Telehealth, and a provider in the Internal Medicine, Infectious Diseases and Emergency Medicine Departments, discussed the follow up process when patients are dismissed from a medical facility. A lack of follow up care often brings these patients back to the emergency department of a medical facility. Dr. Finley stated, “Readmission rates go down when patients receive good follow up care through Telemedicine.”
Dr. Kristy Henderson, Chief Telehealth and Innovation Officer at UMMC, closed the event with a discussion on hot topics in Telehealth, including reimbursement, policy and advocacy; and medical staff buy-in.
The UMMC Center for Telehealth works to bring quality healthcare closer to home for Mississippians by offering over 30 adult and pediatric specialties. Their services are available at more than 100 clinical sites across the state.
Follow the UMMC Center for Telehealth on Twitter (@UMMCTelehealth) and Facebook (UMMC Center for Telehealth).
