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Transitioning into Telehealth: 5 Key Considerations for Candidates Making a Career Move

telehealthHealthcare is at the forefront of conversation as infectious diseases continue to dominate headlines. Healthcare professionals are seeking ways to conduct medical visits remotely to expand their geographic coverage for patients; sometimes in rural areas, to provide a greater sense of flexibility. 

Telehealth has leveraged digital tools to allow medical professionals to communicate with patients quickly and effectively. Telehealth is often helpful for mental health treatment, behavioral health, urgent care matters, recurring conditions, and prescription oversight. As Telehealth continues to rise in prominence, many candidates are looking to pivot and seize the opportunity to make a career move in a growing field.

It’s important to consider that telehealth professionals must meet the criteria for interstate compact licensing to practice over state boundaries. Additionally, telehealth professionals are still bound to abide by HIPAA regulations. There are many details to remember when pursuing a career move into Telehealth. In the blog learn five key considerations to pivot into Telehealth. 

 

5 Key Considerations to Pivot into Telehealth

 

1. Learn the Industry Software

Technology is engrained in the fabric of Telehealth. Mobile health applications allow patients to track health status, set medication and appointment reminders, and communicate with physicians using video conference software. These tools are vital to guide patients dealing with chronic illnesses, like diabetes, when a physician is not readily available. 

Electronic health record vendors have leveraged software capabilities to expand their patient offerings. Epic, Cerner, Meditech, CPSI, and Allscripts occupy the greatest market share for EHR vendors. Candidates seeking to pivot into Telehealth should build a solid comprehension of industry software to ease the transition. Additionally, candidates should remain keen on following telehealth groups to stay current on emerging trends in the domain. 


2. Acquire Licenses to Practice Interstate

For nurses considering transitioning into Telehealth, obtaining proper licensing is vitally important. Qualified nurses can receive appropriate licensing through the Nurse Licensure Compact (NLC). The nationwide shortage of nurses means that these telehealth roles are in high demand. Leveraging your licenses and credentials to penetrate a growing field will pay dividends for your career. The graphic below details the participating (NLC) states. 

                                           Source: https://www.ncsbn.org/nurse-licensure-compact.htm

 

3. UTILIZE A TELEHEALTH RECRUITER

Healthcare Recruiters know the intricacies of today’s talent market. They have their finger on the industry's pulse with close ties to the best hospitals and healthcare organizations. Healthcare Recruiters can help you hone in on the best role and company for your unique needs. Think of them as your match-maker!

Consult with our dedicated Telehealth recruiting team, with deep healthcare and technology competence. At Yoh, we pride ourselves on being subject matter experts in the realm of telemedicine. We go above and beyond to remain agile in a growing industry to facilitate your move into the telehealth field. No matter your need, we’ll match you with the right support. 

Yoh's Telehealth Services takes a nuanced approach to help technology and healthcare professionals advance their career into a growing field. Our recruiters are aware of the innovative telehealth technologies that are being utilized at the renowned hospitals nationwide. Connecting with an informed telehealth recruiter is an effective way to tap into our deep subject-matter expertise and diagnose the best landing spot for your individual skillset. Contact our dedicated team of Telehealth recruiters to make that career move you have always dreamed of!

 

4. UNDERSTAND VIRTUAL DECORUM AND ‘WEB-SIDE’ MANNER

Often, doctors wear white coats, and nurses wear scrubs. Wearing professional attire is important in building professional credibility with patients. Establishing professional decorum is not abandoned when practicing telemedicine. When undergoing your interview process, it might be wise to wear professional attire to get comfortable operating in a virtual setting. The interviewer immediately recognizes your awareness and commitment to present an image consistent with the healthcare field.

 Virtual decorum goes beyond just wearing the right attire. Proper communication tactics are essential when speaking with patients. ‘Web-side’ manner refers to the provider-patient relationship over a virtual setting. Exerting an empathetic tone can help develop a healthy relationship with your patient. Creating a visit agenda and limiting the use of medical jargon can also be an excellent way to create rapport with the patient. 

 

5. Understand HIPAA COMPLIANCE when practicing remotely

Compliance with HIPAA regulations is vital for healthcare providers. Infractions can be costly to your organization and your reputation. A clear understanding of HIPAA regulations can be a tool in your arsenal to impress your interviewer when moving into the telehealth field. Let's briefly detail the five HIPAA rules and the implications for telehealth.

 

HIPAA Rule

Details

Telehealth Implications

Privacy Rule

Limits the use of patient information without their express consent to share.

Close ALL unrelated forms/documents/reports prior to meeting with a patient. When sharing your screen using video software, it’s important to not show sensitive information related to a prior patient, even if it is for a moment. 

Security Rule

Workstations must be constructed so that sensitive information cannot be easily seen.

Construct your workspace to be video conducive. Use virtual backgrounds to create a professional image and avoid making sensitive information visible. Providers should use private spaces ONLY to discuss patient information.

Breach Notification Rule

If patient data is compromised, the organization must contact the Department of Health and Human Services immediately.

In the event sensitive information is compromised over a virtual setting, inform your superior and set up a formal plan to inform the HHS. Act quickly and be transparent with the incident.

Omnibus Rule

Without authorization, patient health information cannot be used in marketing and fundraising efforts.

When creating digital marketing campaigns to broadcast your telehealth specialization, make sure to avoid advertising patient information and instead focus on the specifics of your offerings.

Enforcement Rule

Details the investigation plans to levy fines and discipline

Avoid a ‘public facing’ setting when conducting patient calls to steer clear of a leak of sensitive information. Avoid having a computer screen littered with miscellaneous documents. Use headphones to ensure privacy.

 

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Pivoting into the telehealth field will be challenging but worthwhile. Transitioning into a growing field and acquiring proper licenses can be a valuable tool to advance your career and earnings potential. Consider consulting with our telehealth subject-matter experts to help facilitate your career change. Below are familiar roles that exist within Yoh's knowledge bank of the telehealth field.

  • Registered Nurses (RN)
  • Licensed Vocational Nurses (LVN) / Licensed Practical Nurses (LPN)
  • Physician Assistants
  • Nurse Practitioners
  • Administrative Support
  • Mental Health Professionals, including Master of Social Work (MSW) and Behavioral Therapists

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