Telehealth: Assessing Readiness

We understand that some practices are working in the telehealth space without pre-planning and thought. We also know that these practices may not be interested in our posts. Our main aim is to ensure that practitioners in private practice are provided with a high standard around the delivery of service. As it stands, there is no "Telehealth Board of Australia" telehealth providers are subject to regulation by AHPRA and their appropriate board. As such, we are offering governance around telehealth services.

Why is this important? The Australian Health Ministers have developed a National E-Health Strategy. As we evolve with technology, more and more clients and communities will be expecting traditional face-to-face services to be offered in an online manner. As a practice, regardless of your size, you will be responsible for upholding the Privacy Act of 1988. An important aspect we'd like to highlight is The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs). These principles include keeping personal information secure.

So, before you decide to invest in secure platforms, create your marketing plan and on-board clinicians, we need to determine if telehealth is feasible for your practice and the community. You will struggle if you only view this initiative as something to give you "bums on seats."

External

Step 1: Are your referral sources willing to have the client pay for the service in full?

Unless your clients are in the MMM 4-7 regions, they are not eligible for a Medicare subsidy. Thus, clients will be responsible for making payment to you in full. Some GP's and referring sources feel quite strongly that their clients should not be charged for services. Hence, unless you have a strong referral base who believe in full payment, you may find it very difficult to get referrals.

Step 2: Understanding community needs and resources. Most PHN's are in a position to be thinking about the needs of the communities. They have been funded to assist communities in creating or accessing much-needed resources. If a community already has a mental health provider, they may not send you any referrals. Ideally, you familiarise yourself with the resources within the community you plan to market to and build a secure network with them. As well as that, you are still clinically responsible for your client, regardless of the distance. If your client is in danger for whatever reason, you need to have an in the area back up plan to assist with managing the client.

Step 3: How connected to the community are you? Do you know if you fill a "gap?" If you are predominately a child psychologist who administers testing, you might think you'd be perfect. However, considering that most assessments need be administered face-to-face, your skill set isn't necessarily something the community will be eager to use. Without fully understanding the needs and ethos of the community, providing a telehealth service is quite difficult.

You will have internal aspects to think about as well such as do you have the resources, i.e. funds and staff. Do you have other initiatives that you're working on that will compete with launching your marketing plan?

Our next post we'll be discussing things to consider before rolling out telehealth.

Resources: http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/mental-ba-telehealth

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/National+Ehealth+Strategy

http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/Content/e-health-telehealth

https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy-law/privacy-act/health-and-medical-research

https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy-law/privacy-act/australian-privacy-principles

https://www.oaic.gov.au/privacy-law/privacy-act/

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