Telemedicine Startup Checklist

• Allow an appropriate amount of time for the implementation (6-12 months)
• Set clear goals that reflect the needs of your patient population
• Complete an analysis of the projected revenue impact
• Review the telehealth vendors in your area
• (See below for considerations on choosing a vendor)
• Ensure system’s HIPAA compliance via use of secured encrypted transmissions for PHI
• Complete a data infrastructure analysis and consider a cellular hotspot backup solution
• Review state rules regarding establishing a patient-physician relationship to ensure this can occur via telehealth
• Review additional requirements for ICU or hospital telehealth solutions
• Verify that the patients to be served are eligible for telehealth based on the service area and the insurance they have (Commercial vs. federal)
• Follow regulations on identifying the patient and performance of an appropriate exam before establishing a diagnosis
• Verify you are complying with the state laws for your location regarding informed consent (written vs. verbal)
• Research reimbursement rules for your state, including rules on remote patient monitoring (RPM) billing and any commercial payer requirements for your state, many of which have lifted the CMS-imposed geographic restrictions
• Compile a CPT code list by payer
• Verify Medicaid billing/reimbursement rules for your state(s)
• Verify which payers require a GT modifier
• Research licensure rules for your state (if there is no reciprocity, providers may require medical licenses in multiple states to offer services outside of your home state)
• Establish a physician champion to be a resource for all your clinicians
• Train and educate your staff and providers, including how to maintain eye contact and dress appropriately for a positive virtual patient experience
• Review malpractice considerations with your malpractice insurance carrier
• Advertise/market the telehealth services

Choosing a Vendor

• Customer reviews (providers and patients)
• System compliance with HIPAA and medical boards
• Type of services provided (e.g., live video visits, mobile friendly, phone, chat, secure messaging)
• 24/7 service and tech support
• Integration with current EHR
• Integration with current practice management system
• Implementation process
• Training provided
• Customizable solutions
• Marketing support from vendor
• Provider eligibility requirements (using providers from the practice or using providers from the vendor network)
• Real-time eligibility
• Support for insurance claims
• Integrated telehealth kiosk/carts
• Cost