If you had told me, even a year ago, that I would be researching telemedicine and how to implement it in my office I would have said you were crazy. I mean, don’t get me wrong, the ability to see patients from anywhere (preferably from the beach with palm tree’s swaying in the background) is SUPER appealing but it just didn’t seem like a feasible leap.

Times are different now. In just a short period of time as we’ve had to adjust to a new “normal” and there have been a ton of changes to the way we think about our businesses and patient care, including where that care happens. With those changing times we have to be open to changing how we do things too.

So, that’s why you’ll find me researching telemedicine, billing requirements, platforms, and possible uses this morning as I work from home. Who would have thought I’d ever be able to say that phrase as an optometrist… work from home.

As I am looking at the different platforms available for tele-health I am narrowing down the choices based not just on how they will serve my needs today, but also how they will serve my needs in the future as virtual visits become a part of my normal day to day care for patients. Here are a couple of the platforms I am researching:

Doxy.me

There are a few things that I like about the doxy.me platform. For providers looking for something temporary they offer a FREE version that looks to provide a good solution to simple remote visits. Instead of an app or program for patients to download, all they need is a web browser on any video enabled computer or smart phone to use the system. You provide a link to your virtual waiting room for them to use. The paid versions might be a better option if you are planning to incorporate remote visit, like I am, even once we get back to “business as usual” (whenever that might happen.)

Option number two is one that I actually like a bit better and the one that I am implementing in my office.

EyeCareLive

EyeCareLive was built specifically for eye doctors and it shows. In addition to the options that Doxy.me provides for secure, HIPAA compliant video chats, this system takes it a step further. There is an app for patients to download, however within that app there are options for remote acuity measurement, in app SPEED questionnaire, and more.

For my practice and what I am looking for the in future with telemedicine, EyeCareLive was the best fit. I’ll be sure to post about my experience as I am set up and seeing patients with the system.

Definitely do your research on the platforms available and make your own decisions based on your own office’s needs, not just today but into the future too.

Do you have any experience with either of these options? Have you already been using telemedicine in your practice? I’d love to hear about it. Email me at sam@themoderneyesite.com and let me know about your experiences.

**I have no financial interest in either platform discussed**