Physicians: How to Market Telehealth Services

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Today, surprisingly, independent providers are more sceptical of telehealth with less than 10% adoption as compared to providers who work with healthcare institutions at 30% adoption. However, nearly 83% of patients in the U.S expect to use telehealth services post-pandemic. It is evident that independent providers need to adopt telehealth as an integral part of their medical practice to deliver better patient experience and stay ahead of other providers.

More often, independent providers may not believe that they have the time or resources to market their telehealth services to current or prospective patients; these fears are often unfounded. To that end, here are a few simple ways for providers to get the message out about their patient-friendly telehealth services.

Messaging

Convenience & Comfort from Home
Patients don’t often do a great deal of research before deciding on any digital healthcare services and often select a telehealth service that is most readily available or found via a Google search. For this reason, providers need to promote the ease of use and benefits of the telehealth platforms they use among their patients. They can easily avail healthcare from the convenience and comfort of their homes/any location at any time.

Providers registering with HIPAA-compliant telehealth platforms such as OnCallMD ensure quality of care, privacy and security for their patients through advanced telehealth services.

24/7 Access to Urgent Care
Urgent care is now 24/7/365 owing to patient-friendly telehealth platforms like OnCallMD. The platform reduces the waiting time for patients through virtual waiting rooms and allows patients to consult physicians based on their real-time availability, including weekends and holidays, through the “physician pooling” feature of OnCallMD.

Providers simply configure patient fees based on the time of the day and days of the week. It provides greater flexibility and better remuneration for providers while equipping patients to benefit from 24/7 access to urgent care.

Timely Follow-up Care
Follow-up care, remote care could be lifesaving for patients when done at the right time. Providers can offer follow-up care via telehealth to save time and transportation cost for patients from remote locations.

OnCallMD, a user-friendly telehealth platform supports follow-up care for various patient groups. For instance, pregnant women and chronically ill patients can request for group calling, integrating specialist into the consultation, during their doctor’s visit on the telehealth platform, especially during and after the pandemic.

Marketing Platforms

Social Media
Providers can leverage various social media platforms like Facebook and Instagram to promote how telehealth services benefit their patients. You can post rich media content (GIFs, videos, etc.,) using content creation apps like Inshot or go for simple posters to highlight your telehealth services.

Direct Marketing
Direct marketing is an efficient method for providers to reach patients while they are visiting the provider’s office. Make most of your long-standing rapport with your patients. You can suggest to them that they opt-in to your telehealth services by sharing pamphlets, telehealth starter kit, and running demo sessions in person or via emails.

Online Directories
Providers should sign-up with the state-run telehealth programs like the Arizona Telemedicine Program based on their state licensure. The telehealth-related online directories provide a credible platform for providers to market their telehealth services to new and existing patients in the region.

However, it is advisable for providers to guide patients in choosing either in-person visits or telehealth services depending on their requirements.

In summary, nearly 250 telehealth services are currently payable under the Medicare Physician Fee Schedule according to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). Providers can now receive reimbursements for a wide variety of services ranging from chronic conditions, speech/hearing therapy, group therapeutic activities and cardiac rehab owing to the current pandemic. Choosing the right telehealth platform and marketing the telehealth services among patients are the key to optimized patient experience and increased patient revenues.

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