Because telemedicine is always evolving, work with your solution provider to grow your virtual care offerings along with any new innovations. Also important: make sure your provider and your IT team are clear on how your hardware and software will receive regular security updates and patches to ward off emerging cyberthreats.
5. Develop a budget.
Now that you’ve established your organization’s clinical objectives and infrastructure needs, you can draft a preliminary budget.
Depending on funding and other factors, you may want to run a small pilot program as a proof of concept. This approach will help you evaluate your hardware and software in action before committing to a launch. Your clinical staff can give feedback and observe the value of real telemedicine results, which can help foster support across the team.
Another budget option is to explore leasing arrangements and managed services that minimize upfront expenditures. Leasing or even renting systems can shift your telemedicine investment from a capital expense to an operational expense, and minimize new staffing needs through managed services. Finally, explore government grants and other funding sources to see if they apply to your specific patient population or geographic region.
Creating a future of stronger care
Launching an effective virtual care program is ultimately a team effort. Follow the above recommendations and you’ll be well on your way to creating a program that works for every stakeholder: providers, patients, administrators and payers. By designing an efficient and sustainable telemedicine program, you’ll drive positive results right out of the gate — and set the stage for a future of stronger patient outcomes.
About the author: Scott Sullivan is chief revenue officer and SVP of Worldwide Sales for GlobalMed, an international provider of virtual care solutions. GlobalMed is honored to be the telehealth provider to the Department of Veterans Affairs, Defense Health Agency, and the White House. With over 15 million consults delivered in over 60 countries, its virtual care platform has the Authority to Operate (ATO) on U.S. Department of Defense networks with the highest level of security and supports a patient at any point in the continuum of care. Learn more at www.globalmed.com.
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