Using Video for Telemedicine Visits

Guide Provided by Susan Phillips (4.24.20)

1) We are moving ahead with Doximity video visits starting next week (4/29 – 5/1)

– it is available for iPhone AND Android as of this week.

– it is the simplest method and Doximity states that it is HIPAA compliant.

– everyone should download the Doximity app and set up the dialer to show the Primary Care clinic number to the patient.

– Mitch (and others) are available if anyone needs help doing so. I recommend trying it out with a family member or colleague.

– the basic process: provider selects video call, patient gets text asking if they want to join, patient gets prompts to allow use of microphone and camera, short delay, it connects.

– there is currently no mechanism for incorporating interpreters.

– anyone can try this immediately if they want to call the patient and explain what to expect.

– the clinic will support these visits starting next week.

– all providers can look at their schedules starting Wednesday, April 29, identify up to 2 patients per session, and change the red dots to blue. 

– this needs to be done BY THE END OF TODAY for next week. 

– the clinic staff will call the patients with blue dots, verify their willingness to use video and ability to get a text,  explain the process, then leave a comment in Notes (e.g. Doximity video).

– the provider can see in Notes if the patient is prepared for the video visit, and can just make the call.

– make sure to select VIDEO in the phone/video section of the visit navigator.

– this is for Doximity only.

– after the first week, providers can select 2 blue dots per session by the end of every Thursday, to have their patients prepared for the following week.

– once we understand the staff time needed, we will increase the number of blue dots providers can select.

– there are tip sheets located with the rest of the EPIC tip sheets.

2) MyChart, while the best option, continues to be technically challenging on the patient end. The focus group is still working to make progress on that. Interpreters can be incorporated into MyChart video visits.

3) The 3rd non-integrated Zoom option is technically even more complicated and is not being developed yet. It will also accomodate interpreters.

4) As of April 2, Medicare, Harvard Pilgrim, BCBS, Tufts, and Aetna (close to 50% of patients, I think) provide minimal reimbursement for telephone visits. It is urgent to start moving these to video visits, so we encourage everyone to look at next week’s schedules today and mark 2 patients per session with blue dots for Wed – Fri.