WAKEFIELD, Mass. - April 12, 2021 - Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth usage has soared. Telehealth is the use of technology to provide real-time health care to patients at a distance. It's delivered using video and audio connections on mobile phones, tablets or desktop computers. The use of telehealth visits was approved in early 2020 to encourage physical distancing and to allow healthcare providers to safely provide much needed services to the public during the global pandemic. In response, we fully expanded our telehealth services.
Clinicient is the cloud-based, electronic medical record (EMR) service we use at HDPT. Clinicient adapted their products and services in response to the COVID-19 crisis, expanding their platforms. This allowed us to perform telehealth visits, directly through our existing documentation software, and efficiently deliver and document care, from any location.
At the beginning of 2020, very few health insurers in the United States, and about half of Medicaid programs, reimbursed for telehealth services. However, last spring, the Department of Public Health required commercial insurers and the Group Insurance Commission to cover medically necessary telehealth services in the same manner they cover in-person services.
Also for telehealth visits, most health insurance companies are still waving patient co-pays or any financial responsibilities during this time. Regardless of insurance coverage, telehealth is also always offered as a cash-based service. We are currently following our standard fee-schedule rates for telehealth services.
As we continue to move into 2021, and COVID-19 vaccines become more available, it's still unknown if the telehealth boom will continue. However, at HDPT, we understand that telehealth services still have the potential to reduce healthcare costs, as well as improve patient outreach, accessibility and health outcomes, and that will always be what's the most important to us!
Our offices in Wakefield & Burlington have no waiting lists, offer same-day appointments, are conveniently located right off major highways, have accessible hours, support Direct Access to care and accept every health insurance plan. The health and safety of our patients and staff is our top priority. We are adhering to every safety recommendations and guideline. Please visit our 'COVID-19 & Physical Therapy' webpage for even more information.
At HD Physical Therapy, we are committed to the health and happiness of our patients. Everyday we work to restore each person's maximal function with consistency and compassion. Offering distinctive, inventive and proven rehabilitation treatment, our devoted professionals strive to deliver a successful and enjoyable experience to every patient we meet. For more information about HD Physical Therapy, please visit https://www.HDPTonline.com and follow us on all social media.
Media Contact
Lauren D'Addario
ljd@hdptonline.com
781-587-0776
