Individuals relying on Medicaid and those who are uninsured find it nearly impossible to access specialty care in a timely manner. This problem is common across both rural and urban settings; across the nation; there are simply not enough specialists to address patients’ needs. Telemedicine, whether it be telephonic, live video or asynchronous, presents options for individuals whose access is limited by their insurance coverage, job and family commitments, or long distances to care. Electronic consult (asynchronous consultations between primary care providers and specialists) allows patients to remain with their trusted providers — those who speak their languages and live in their communities — while receiving advice from remote providers. Telemedicine innovations must meet patients where they are.
Libby Sagara, Managing Director at BluePath Health