Many people are becoming more open to technology-based mental health solutions. Today, 66% of Americans are willing to have online sessions with their healthcare providers. These sessions are often conducted over secure software platforms and are referred to as telemedicine.

Telemedicine research, implementation, and policy have made great improvements. The global market is projected to increase to $36.3 billion by 2020. Additionally, many states now require private insurance companies to reimburse telemedicine sessions.

Common Benefits of Telemedicine

While considering telemedicine, the first step is to determine your desired outcomes. This will help you determine which service best matches your needs and goals. The following are some of the most common benefits of implementing this service into your practice.

1. Greater Access to Mental Health Services

There is a significant mental health provider shortage in the United States. This is especially true in rural or underserved communities. Telemedicine services close this gap and provide easier access to mental health services.

Telemedicine also benefits clients transitioning from in-patient care. You can ensure their care remains uninterrupted as they move into out-patient services.

2. Flexible and Timely Care

Having a “virtual office” allows you to spend less time at your brick and mortar office. Your hours of operation can also become more flexible, if desired. Sessions can be conducted from home or while traveling. This enables you to serve clients when a meeting at your practice is not possible.

Clients can sometimes only see you during unconventional hours or on weekends. Being able to access timely and flexible care makes a positive difference in client outcomes.

3. Reduced Cancellations and No-Shows

In the United States, clients cancel 15 to 20 percent of scheduled visits last-minute or don’t show up at all. Losing one in five scheduled appointments can add up to a significant loss of revenue over time.

Telemedicine allows you to reschedule a session right away, rather than losing it. This protects your revenue and ensures clients receive the consistent care they need.

4. Proactive Forward-Thinking Practice

Many providers want to create a modern, competitive practice. Telemedicine allows them to be proactive instead of reactive to new modes of treatment delivery. Telemedicine is approaching mainstream adoption and every practice will need to put it into place to some degree.

5. Retain Clients After Location or Schedule Changes

There’s nothing more difficult for a client than having to start over. Building rapport with a new provider takes time. Telemedicine allows you to keep clients if they must change locations or schedules. If you’re licensed in the state they live in, you can treat them from any location.

Being able to adapt to any of these changes also increases accountability for the client. When you can work from nearly any time or location, there are fewer reasons to not show up for an appointment. This removes real or imagined barriers to treatment and increases a client’s accountability for their care.

Key Takeaways

• Telemedicine is being widely adopted by both healthcare systems and clients.
• Provide greater access to care, especially in rural or underserved populations.
• Add flexibility with your hours of operation or the location you provide care from.
• Reduce cancellations and no-show appointments, while keeping client care consistent.
• Remove barriers and disruption to treatment, even with changes in location or schedule.

If you have more questions or would like extra resources about incorporating telemedicine into your practice, contact TherapySites today. Our Tele-Counseling secure video counseling platform allows you to connect with clients from virtually anywhere.