The 4th Annual South Central Telehealth Forum was held in Nashville, TN, on August 1 & 2. Presenters and partners from across the country gathered in the Music City to share tools, resources and techniques on how they drive quality health care via telemedicine and mHealth. Listen to these highlights from keynote speakers and sessions across the various tracks offered at the event.
Keynote speaker, Mario Gutierrez, Executive Director for the Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) discussed questions that policy makers may have about telehealth and telemedicine, such as:
- Is telehealth as effective as in-person care?
- Under what conditions can telehealth replace in-person care?
- What resources and evidence are needed to make telehealth a viable alternative?
Elizabeth Krupinski, PhD, an Experimental Psychologist with research interests, gave a heavily-attended presentation on telehealth return and investment. She discussed questions such as:
- How do we obtain reimburse for telemedicine services?
- Is there a ‘one size fits all’ method of reimbursement?
- How can my program have the most impact for a solid return on investment?
Amanda Martin, MS, and Dr. Steve North, Center for Rural Health Innovation, provided a breakdown of the importance of keeping students in the classroom and how telehealth can aid in that process. Martin and North answered questions such as:
- Are we measuring things that have an impact long term in kids’ health?
- How do we act on results outside of normal range?
- How can an online program called Heart Smart Kids help reduce weight?
Finally, plenary speaker, Alan Morgan, CEO, National Rural Health Association, told how health care payment is going to be tied to quality in the future.
Keep the conversation going! Tell us how you and your organization are driving quality health care through telemedicine and mHealth.
