Meditech to announce video visit features in its EHR and patient portal at HIMSS17

The new functionality will enable caregivers to use their cameras to conduct visits while accessing a patient’s electronic health record. 
By Ephraim Schwartz
08:45 AM

Meditech plans to debut video capabilities within its web-based EHR and patient portal services at HIMSS17.

Video Visits will be fully integrated into the patient workflow via the portal and mHealth app. Patients will be able to schedule time with a clinician, respond to questionnaires and launch the visits, all from within their portal.

"Patients want access to their providers and information from wherever they are. By feeling more connected to care teams, patients report higher satisfaction levels and may be more engaged in self-managing their conditions,” said Meditech executive vice president Helen Waters. “Video visits also open up appointment flexibility for homebound patients or those living a long distance from their providers, helping them seek treatment faster.”

The video visit functionality is embedded into the Meditech solution and incorporated into front and back office user workflow so that patients whose insurance covers video visits can have their insurance billed directly at the time of booking. They will be able to verify their demographic and insurance information prior to the visit. Healthcare organizations will be able to bill the patient's insurance, as allowed, with full eligibility checking and revenue cycle tracking.

"With the current surge in industry acceptance for telehealth services, such as video visits, we're seeing more and more payers offer this coverage. We'll also be introducing the ability to accept payment at the time of the visit for patients who are not covered by their insurance for video visits," Waters said.

Video visit functionality is engineered into provider workflow, so that clinicians can conduct the visit while also interacting with the patient's EHR. This allows the provider to review the latest results with the patient, as well as document the visit in real-time.

Both patients and providers can use the built-in video cameras on their consumer devices; no special hardware investment necessary.

"As we move to managing populations, value-based contracts and accountable care, healthcare organizations will need to rethink how they deliver care to chronic disease patients, not just in the exam room, but in the patient's home, in the car, at work or wherever they may be, to ensure their wellness and compliance,” Waters said. “The use of video visits can propel the connected relationship with the patient.” 

HIMSS17 runs from Feb. 19-23, 2017 at the Orange County Convention Center.


This article is part of our ongoing coverage of HIMSS17. Visit Destination HIMSS17 for previews, reporting live from the show floor and after the conference.


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Topics: 
Telehealth
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