Telemedicine is a relatively new health care concept that is a desired enhancement to many health plans. According to the American Telemedicine Association, "Telemedicine is the use of medical information exchanged from one site to another via electronic communications to improve patients' health status." Employers appreciate telemedicine as it can reduce time away from work, due to less time in doctors' offices and reduced phone calls for appointment scheduling.
Videoconferencing, electronic transmission of picture images, patient portals, and medical care call centers are all considered part of telemedicine and telehealth. Telemedicine allows individuals to see physicians live over videoconferencing for immediate care, or send pictures/patient data to physicians through the Internet for diagnosis and treatment at a later time.
Larger employers with on-site medical clinics are incorporating telemedicine into their clinic offerings. This has been a welcome addition with employees taking advantage of the technology to quickly address medical conditions thereby increasing productivity and decreasing absenteeism.
Employers with traditional, insured medical plans are also seeing the benefits of telemedicine as insurers incorporate telemedicine into covered benefit offerings. In Arizona, for example, UnitedHealthcare Community Plan of Arizona allows pediatric neurology patients living in remote locations of the Navajo Nation to electronically see a physician specialist for certain complex conditions such as cerebral palsy and spina bifida. This telemedicine option offers children the opportunity to readily see a specialist without their families having to travel hundreds of miles. It encourages patients to seek treatment instead of not taking a costly trip to receive needed medical care.
Employers should keep an eye out for telemedicine opportunities, as they may became a desired addition to the employee benefit offerings.
