A checklist for starting virtual visits

The ability to evaluate patients without having them come to your office can be especially useful during an outbreak of an infectious disease, like the new coronavirus or even the seasonal flu. Here’s a checklist for starting a virtual visits program.

• Investigate any restrictions on virtual visits by your state medical board.
• Investigate malpractice coverage for virtual care.
• Identify what services you will offer virtually.
• Investigate virtual visit technology/vendors.
• Understand private payer and Medicare reimbursement.
• Set prices for cash-paying patients. Survey patients to identify an effective price point, if needed.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance. See the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services guidance.
• Draft policies for virtual prescribing, appropriate visit categories, informed consent, etc.
• Market the service to patients, making it clear that virtual visits are not for urgent matters.

Read the full FPM article: “Should You Treat Patients Virtually?”