Q&A: Alternatives to telemedicine

Q: While telemedicine is becoming ubiquitous, we must face the reality that not every patient is capable of effectively accessing or utilizing these tools. What are your suggestions for helping these patients?

A: Recently, the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA) published a research letter highlighting the need to support older patients with technology as telemedicine becomes more prevalent.

"Telecommunication devices should be covered as a medical necessity, especially given the correlation between poverty and telemedicine unreadiness," wrote study authors. "Furthermore, accessibility accommodations, such as closed captioning for those with hearing impairment, should be extended to virtual visits.”

However, study authors also recognized that telemedicine is not an option for every single patient. Therefore, it is essential for case managers to determine which patients lack the ability to access telemedicine (and why this is the case).

“Although many older adults are willing and able to learn to use telemedicine, an equitable health system should recognize that for some, such as those with dementia and social isolation, in-person visits are already difficult and telemedicine may be impossible,” wrote study authors.

In situations like this, the focus should shift to alternative options, such as home visits.

Editor's Note: This topic was originally addressed in the September issue of Case Management Monthly.