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Why Telehealth Should be a Priority for Employers
For most Americans, normal routines have been turned upside-down by the current COVID-19 pandemic, and that includes healthcare. PHI's Mei Kwong, executive director of the Center for Connected Health Policy, acknowledges that telehealth isn’t a perfect fit for every medical need—sometimes there are still situations where a patient needs to see a physician in person—but it can be an important resource in today’s environment.
For most Americans, normal routines have been turned upside-down by the current COVID-19 pandemic, and that includes healthcare.
Experts are advising that people stay home as much as possible, which is driving millions to remote work and major business disruptions. While most healthcare settings remain open, many patients may be wary to visit their doctor, which has opened the door to telehealth.
Many large employers already offer access to virtual healthcare through their plans, says Mei Kwong, executive director of the Center for Connected Health Policy, and they should be actively urging their workers to take advantage of that benefit.
“If you do offer it, you should be encouraging your workers to utilize it as much they can,” Kwong says. She acknowledges that telehealth isn’t a perfect fit for every medical need—sometimes there are still situations where a patient needs to see a physician in person—but it can be an important resource in today’s environment. “If you can use the technology safely and effectively, definitely take advantage of it right now.”
The Center for Connected Health Policy (CCHP) is the federally designated national telehealth policy resource center. CCHP provides technical assistance, education and creates resources and materials related to telehealth policy and consults frequently with federal and state policymakers, health plans, providers, national organizations and others.
Originally published by Human Resource Executive
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