Telemedicine: Be Prepared before You Make the Leap

There are many issues to consider before implementing a telemedicine program, according to Karen Mathura, RN, J.D., CPHRM, claims and risk management consultant, RCM&D, an insurance and benefits advisory firm. Mathura, along with Lauren Bicknese, B.B.A., risk and claims coordinator, RCM&D, presented "Telemedicine and International Telemedicine: Risks That May Ensue" on October 29, 2013, at the annual American Society for Healthcare Risk Management conference in Austin, Texas. Facilities should ensure that the most stringent telemedicine regulations are used when implementing this type of program, and organizations need to look to federal regulations put out by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), as well as state health laws and medical board regulations. FDA regulations will primarily focus on the equipment and software related to telemedicine, while CMS regulations include the privileging and credentialing of telemedicine health professionals. Any telemedicine program will need to ensure appropriate licensure and privileging of distant-site physicians.