How Michigan Medicine Scales Telehealth Services to Support Its Organizational Goals — and What You Can Learn from This Virtual Approach
// By Lisa D. Ellis //
A growing number of people rely on their computers and smartphones to remotely do their shopping, pay their bills, and manage their bank accounts. Thanks to advances in telehealth offerings, many people also can access medical services they need from the convenience of their own homes. In fact, some health care organizations are flexing their muscles in the virtual-care space and growing stronger as they go along.
Take Michigan Medicine, which is affiliated with the University of Michigan and operates one of the largest hospitals in Michigan. This system has distinguished itself as a leader in providing a range of telehealth services to meet a variety of settings and needs. The strong focus and multidimensional programming set the stage for other organizations that can apply some of the lessons learned to further their own programs in this area.
Michigan Medicine’s Telehealth Program
Alison Neff, administrator, telehealth program office, Michigan Medicine
“Michigan Medicine’s telehealth program encompasses virtual primary and specialty care, across outpatient and inpatient settings. We design, implement, and maintain services such as e-visits, video visits, and telestroke applications to help extend the reach of providers within Michigan Medicine,” says Alison Neff, administrator, Telehealth Program Office, Michigan Medicine.
Neff recently shared some of the highlights of Michigan’s efforts with other groups at the Society for Healthcare Strategy and Market Development (SHSMD) Connections 2018 conference.
Offering an Array of Services
While telehealth services are not new for Michigan Medicine, they have evolved over the years to better meet patients’ needs and circumstances. Initially the programs started out on a very limited scale, but they have since grown in scope and become more integrated into the health system’s broader care continuum. This provides a more seamless experience for patients, while increasing efficiency for physicians and other staff members.