FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (and answers) with links to telehealth toolkits and an evidence-based COVID-19 screening tool!
Where can I find a toolkit for delivering telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic?
This link Telehealth Toolkit from the National Consortium of Telehealth Resource Centers
provides direct access to excellent resources, including a PDF document that can be easily printed or uploaded for office use! This toolkit includes a brief overview of telehealth, an explanation of how telehealth can be used in response to COVID-19, and information about policies/reimbursement.
Telehealth Resource Centers (TRCs) have been established to provide assistance, education, and information to organizations and individuals who are actively providing or interested in providing health care at a distance. The NCTRC resources are provided free of charge – the consortium is funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services!
The toolkit includes resources and evidence-based references to support increasing access to telehealth. The document includes a summary of Medicare & Medicaid Policies for telehealth, associated CPT codes, and links to articles in which telehealth has been used in emergency crises in the past. In addition, the toolkit includes a link to the AMA’s “Quick Reference Guide to Telemedicine in Practice”, vendors offering free or reduced cost platforms, and telehealth training resources.
For more information and support (including webinars and support for expediting telehealth programs), link to https://www.telehealthresourcecenter.org/
Where Can I find CMS’ Toolkit?
Here is a link General Provider Telehealth and Telemedicine Toolkit The toolkit is provided as a PDF; the table of contents on the first page provides easy guidance for information such as: 1135 Waiver information, CMS Telemedicine General Policy Guidance, Telehealth Implementation Guide, State Statute Guidance, Basics on Setting up Telehealth, Telehealth Technical Assistance, Selecting a Vendor, Articles, and Patient and Community Resources.
**This tool kit provides easy to read tables with additional links, phone numbers and codes that are essential in providing telehealth services.
Where can I find a free COVID-19 screening tool?
Do you have patients who need to be screened and advised immediately? Use this link: COVID-19 Screening Tool This is a free screening tool created by Apple and the CDC!!! The screening tool includes easy step-by-step questions for anyone to use. The tool provides CDC recommendations on next steps including guidance on social distancing and self-isolating, how to closely monitor symptoms, recommendations on testing, and when to contact a medical provider.
