Medical Economics TV

Not everyone has embraced the technology.

Working out technology issues is important for a positive patient experience.

Value-based contracts may play an integral role in telehealth’s future.

Patient demand will play a huge role in determining how common the technology becomes.

Continuity of health is a major benefit that helps maintain the doctor-patient relationship.

Kurt Stange, MD, says that establishing even brief relationships with patients has a “pay it forward” effect that will benefit patients, and health care generally, in the future.

Kurt Stange, MD, says many physicians find they have to work harder to project their humanity to patients during virtual visits than when they see them in person.

Kurt Stange, MD says that even care provided in urgent care or minute clinics can provide a little of the same satisfaction that comes from long-term patient relationships.

Kurt Stange, MD, says that telehealth visits can provide useful insights into patients’ home environments.

Kurt Stange, MD, says that the growth in telehealth due to COVID-19 makes it important for doctors to consider how they can provide the best care during these visits.

Kurt Stange, MD, says that demonstrating respect for patients and asking what’s going in their lives is helpful even in the context of a brief telehealth visit.

Kurt Stange, MD, says that doctors who haven’t known a patient for a long time can build a relationship by taking the time to listen closely during times of stress or crisis.

Being adaptable to technology and planning is key.

Kurt Stange, MD, says patients changing health insurance when they change jobs, along with physician mobility and changes in technology have combined to make long-term relationships less frequent.

Being adaptable to technology and planning is key.

A greater awareness at the highest levels is needed so that primary care gets the attention it deserves.

The ultimate effects won’t be known for some time, but a team-based environment will help everyone in the end.

Eliminating delayed care can lead to better cost savings and better outcomes.

Smaller practices will need to access a larger team and greater technology to succeed.

Prospective payment models are already showing great promise with both private and public payers.

Misaligned incentives are leading to high costs and poor outcomes.