Telehealth Projections

Advances in telehealth offer key lifeline in chronic care management.

What do telehealth projections mean for our care continuum? How much can it help rural and underserved communities? Will telehealth adoption within hospitals and health systems take off as it has for the commercially insured? We’re all watching closely. Latest projections have the utilization growth rate near 28 percent by 2022.

It shouldn’t come as a surprise that insured consumers feed much of the demand, seeking virtual appointments above in-person visits – a trend that has its benefits and concerns for hospitals and health systems.

But telehealth is also gaining traction outside direct-to-consumer, with efficacy demonstrated in tertiary care, physician-to-physician consults and treating populations that use the ED for primary care.

Policy propels telehealth growth.

This year alone, more than 160 telehealth-related pieces of legislation have been introduced in 44 states. Telehealth parity laws are gaining traction. Thirty-three states now require health insurers to cover and reimburse telehealth services just as they would an in-person visit.

Laws have been passed to combat the opioid epidemic. These laws recognize the need to prescribe via telehealth certain medications associated with medication assisted therapy (MAT).

In rural America where access concerns echo loudly, telehealth received a funding boost. This June, the FCC voted to raise rural telehealth funding by $171 million annually, a 43 percent increase above the previous cap. The infusion will enhance access for patients in rural areas to the telecommunications and broadband services necessary for virtual care visits.

New best practices in telehealth emerge.

Once viewed merely as technology used to replace a visit, new laws and policies enhance the use of virtual services along the care continuum and in crisis situations.

Live video continues to make up a larger portion of Medicaid reimbursement, and remote patient monitoring for Medicaid recipients is on the rise. The 2019 CMS Physician Fee Schedule promotes virtual check-ins for patient monitoring of chronic conditions.

Telehealth has also been crucial outside of traditional settings, including in disaster zones. For example, virtual care visits surged 2,000 percent for Nemours Children’s Health System when Hurricane Irma made landfall earlier this year.

Key determinants for a successful telemedicine program.

Virtual care’s use cases and its ability to improve the health of communities are still evolving. But key program factors help to increase community impact. Executives and clinicians who oversee and work with telemedicine programs say the most successful programs:

  • Aim to improve patient outcomes, expand rural access or increase patient engagement.
  • Reduce unnecessary ED visits.
  • Are ranked a top priority for the hospital or health system.

Facilities that have seen success from their telemedicine program have experienced additional ROI in the forms of improved patient satisfaction and increased patient retention within the system. And when coupled with temporary physicians who see patients virtually, hospital executives say employed-physician satisfaction also increases.

What role does virtual care play in your community?

From funding announcements to expanded adoption and advancements in legislation, the sector is lively. But we must remember telehealth is a tool most effective when it’s part of a larger interconnected facility-wide strategy. This mindset of starting with the program purpose and objective and then determining the tools and resources needed is how we can make the greatest difference in the lives of the patients and communities we seek to serve.

Do you need an extra hand staffing your telehealth program? Let us help.

Connect With Us

Federal facts for you.

We are a Federal Supply Schedule Contract holder. 

Federal Supply Schedule (FSS) Contract: 36F79723D0086, Professional and Allied Healthcare Staffing, effective March 15, 2023, through March 14, 2028.

NAICS Codes:
  • 561320: Temporary help services. 
  • 621111: Offices of physicians. 
  • 621112: Offices of physicians, mental health specialists. 
  • 621399: Offices of all other miscellaneous health practitioners. 
  • 621330: Offices of mental health practitioners.

Privileging.

Once you and our client agree to move forward with your assignment, our privileging team will assist you and the client in gathering information required by the healthcare facility to grant clinical privileges.

1

We contact the facility’s Medical Service Office (MSO) for their application and requirements.

2

We will assist you by pre-populating the facility’s application and sending to the MSO.

3

We will assist the MSO by following up on requested items.

4

MSO will grant privileges based on your training and experience, and you will be able to start your assignment.

Headshot of Maggie Youmans

Maggie Youmans

Senior Vice President, Sales

As Senior Vice President, Maggie oversees several key specialty divisions and adjacent teams. With a demonstrated history of leading teams and developing individuals across the organization, she is dedicated to inspiring, challenging and empowering associates to achieve their personal and professional goals. 

Maggie earned degrees in marketing and management focused on consumer economics from the University of Georgia, Terry College of Business. She enjoys traveling with her husband to visit different bed and breakfasts. Together, they have been able to see the beauty within their own backyard and across the country.

Connect with Maggie on LinkedIn.

Headshot of Anne Anderson

Anne Anderson

Executive Vice President

"I'm passionate about the locum tenens industry - we make a real difference in the lives of both our heroic healthcare providers and the patients they treat."

Anne has been at the forefront of the evolution of locum tenens for more than 35 years. She’s a respected leader with expertise in corporate operations, risk management, credentialing, and travel services. Before joining Jackson + Coker, she served as Executive Vice President at Medical Doctor Associates, part of Cross Country Healthcare. 

An ardent industry advocate, Anne served several years on the Board of the National Association of Locum Tenens Organizations (NALTO), including two years as president. 

Anne received a bachelor’s degree in business administration from Spring Hill College. She is also a PADI open water diver and enjoys scuba diving. 

Connect with Anne on LinkedIn.