Telehealth
FAQs

The terms telemedicine and telehealth are often used interchangeably, however telemedicine is actually a subset of telehealth.  Telehealth is different from telemedicine because it refers to a broader scope of remote healthcare services than telemedicine. While telemedicine refers specifically to remote clinical services, telehealth can refer to remote non-clinical services, such as provider training, administrative meetings, and continuing medical education, in addition to clinical services. For more information visit the HealthIT.gov site: How is telehealth different from telemedicine?

Telehealth/Telemedicine is not a medical specialty; it is simply the means of bringing patient and providers together.  This delivery method is essential for moving healthcare closer to patients and meeting the need to expand care.

There can be little to no cost to start a telehealth program.  To assist with low-cost implementation, the Wyoming Telehealth Network provides no-cost, HIPAA-secure Zoom videoconferencing licenses to individuals and organizations interested in implementing telehealth.  Zoom is a web-based system that runs on hardware and software found in most organizations and homes (including PCs, Macs, laptops, tablets, and smartphones).

If required, peripheral devices (such as digital stethoscopes, digit otoscopes, etc.) can be purchased to support telehealth implementation.  The costs for these vary based on the model and seller of the devices.

Insurance reimbursement varies.  In many cases, payers will reimburse, and often at the same rate as an in-person visit.  Each payer has different policies for reimbursement, which update frequently, so please check with each payer you work with to understand their rules and policies.

Wyoming Medicaid currently reimburses telehealth visits at the same rate as in-person visits.

Yes, but only when it is conducted using an encrypted platform that was designed for that purpose. The no-cost Zoom platform available through the WyTN is HIPAA-secure and is commonly used throughout the U.S for telehealth. Be aware that certain consumer apps like Facetime and Skype may not be secure enough for telemedicine visits.

While telehealth technologies are secure, it is the responsibility of the health care provider to ensure that they are meeting security requirements.  This includes maintaining a Business Associate Agreement with all technology providers.

As long as providers maintain their standard of care, the quality of a telehealth encounter is the same as an in-person visit. Providers can effectively conduct a number of services over telehealth, including: assessing patient wellbeing (mental status, pain level, and physical symptoms), conducting clinical histories, consulting with specialty providers, and identifying if the patient needs in-person care.

Limitations do exist, so it is up to the provider to use their best judgment.  Telehealth is a tool to facilitate the delivery of health care, not a replacement for traditional medicine.

This is based on the comfort level and technological capabilities of each provider.  Some of the more common conditions treated by telehealth include: allergic reactions, cold/flu, cough, diarrhea, pink eye, sinus infection, sore throat, rash, vomiting, and other general illnesses.

Another use for telehealth is medication management, as telehealth can have significant impact on medication adherence. Additionally, chronic care management and follow-up appointments can be efficiently conducted via telehealth since the provider is already aware the patient’s condition