Telehealth & COVID-19

As the coronavirus continues to spread around the globe, it is important now more than ever to play it safe. Unfortunately, playing it safe means cancellations and delays of colossal events and suspensions or the removal of live spectators from major sporting events.

Originating in China and spreading to 31 different countries, including the United States, COVID-19 is bringing entertainment and classrooms alike to a halt. Institutions like Harvard and UCLA have joined universities that sent students home.

However, one thing you cannot put on hold is your health.

Preliminary data suggests that the virus can be transmitted person to person and people with compromised immune systems are particularly at risk. For many, leaving the safety of their home is simply not an option.

Fortunately, telehealth is becoming a strikingly simple and effective alternative to providing in-person patient care to at-risk patients.

The House of Representatives recently included a provision in an $8.3 billion emergency response bill approved on March 6th that would temporarily lift restrictions on Medicare telehealth coverage to assist in efforts to contain the virus.

Telehealth (also known as Telemedicine and Telerehabilitation) allows medical professionals, including physical therapy practitioners, to provide virtual care to patients in their homes. This is especially beneficial because it lowers the risk of exposure and eliminates hitches in care plans.

While the outbreak provides additional risk for certain patients, it also gives telerehabilitation a chance to redefine itself. Typically seen as a convenience for practitioners, it is now filling a pivotal gap in emergency patient care.

Physical therapists and patients are able to video chat using HIPAA-compliant software to resolve issues and ensure care plans are being executed properly.

Telehealth does not eliminate the risk completely, but it is insurance for the one thing that cannot be canceled: your health.