Asynchronous telehealth, also known as asynchronous store-and-forward telehealth, is a promising avenue for healthcare providers looking to tap into the potential of remote patient care. This approach enables the transmission of patient data to healthcare professionals for review at a convenient time, providing an alternative to traditional face-to-face consultations.
If you're one of the practitioners looking to leverage telehealth to grow their practice, stick around. We'll explore the financial prospects of asynchronous telehealth and ways it can pave the way for profitability. But first, allow us to define this innovation and explain the difference between synchronous telehealth and asynchronous telehealth.
What is Asynchronous Telehealth
Asynchronous telehealth is a remote healthcare service that allows patients and healthcare providers to communicate without real-time interactions. Unlike synchronous telehealth (video conferencing or live chat), where patients and providers interact concurrently, asynchronous telehealth enables sending and receiving data, images, videos, or messages separately.
If you ever wonder how can telehealth be asynchronous, here's a quick run-through of how it works:
- Data Collection - The process begins with the patient capturing relevant medical data. It can include medical history, symptoms, photos, videos, or diagnostic test results.
- Data Transmission - The patient securely uploads the collected data to a telehealth platform or a designated server.
- Provider Review - The healthcare provider receives a notification or accesses the stored data at their convenience. Once they review the information, they can assess the patient's condition.
- Medical Recommendations - Based on the review, the healthcare provider formulates a diagnosis, treatment plan, or medical advice and communicates it to the patient through the telehealth platform or another secure communication channel.
Importance and Growth of Asynchronous Telehealth
Now that you know the asynchronous telehealth definition, let's talk about its growth and importance.
Asynchronous telehealth has proven its remarkable use cases in recent years. This approach offers numerous advantages, such as increased accessibility, convenience, and flexibility for patients and providers. It enables patients to seek medical advice and treatment at their convenience, breaking down geographical barriers and reducing the need for in-person visits.
The COVID-19 pandemic has further accelerated the adoption of telehealth solutions, including asynchronous telemedicine, due to the need for social distancing and remote care. Its popularity will continue to soar in the foreseeable future—in fact, more patients are embracing this model for convenience. A survey stated that 2 in 3 respondents support asynchronous telehealth-based treatment options.
Advantages of Asynchronous Telehealth
In general, asynchronous telehealth is an excellent innovation to consider when exploring virtual care options. However, it's important to note that despite its many benefits, it might also have limitations.
Advantages
- Improved Accessibility and Convenience - Patients can seek medical advice and consultations at their convenience without the constraints of fixed appointment times. This accessibility increases patient engagement and adherence to treatment plans, leading to better health outcomes.
- Enhanced Patient-Provider Communication - Asynchronous telehealth allows patients to communicate their health concerns and queries in a written format, giving them time to articulate their issues thoroughly. Healthcare providers can respond thoughtfully, considering the patient's medical history and providing comprehensive answers.
- Efficient Healthcare Delivery - Providers can address multiple patient cases during specific periods, streamlining healthcare delivery and reducing wait times.
- Comprehensive Documentation and Medical Records - Asynchronous telehealth facilitates detailed documentation of patient interactions and medical records. These records serve as valuable resources for future reference, enabling healthcare providers to track patients' progress, monitor treatment outcomes, and maintain a comprehensive medical history.
- Increased Reach and Scalability - Asynchronous telehealth allows healthcare providers to reach a broader patient population, transcending geographical barriers. This increased reach enhances healthcare scalability, enabling providers to manage more patients effectively.
Disadvantages
- Limited Real-Time Interaction - Lack of real-time interaction in asynchronous telehealth can be a disadvantage. Delayed responses may not be suitable for acute or emergent medical situations.
- Reduced Personal Connection - Asynchronous telehealth may lead to a lesser sense of personal connection between patients and healthcare providers. The absence of face-to-face interactions might affect the patient's emotional well-being and perception of care.
Further Reading:
- Telehealth Solutions: The Future of Healthcare
- Impact of Telehealth on Healthcare Providers: Improving Efficiency
- Telemedicine Pros and Cons: Is Telehealth Right for You?
Difference Between Synchronous vs Asynchronous Telehealth
The two types of overarching telehealth technologies are synchronous and asynchronous. The primary difference between synchronous telehealth vs asynchronous telehealth lies in the communication timing.
Synchronous telehealth offers immediate interaction, providing instant responses and a more personal connection between patients and providers. This type of telehealth comes in varied forms, including video conferencing, phone consultations, live chat, remote monitoring, and live webinars or virtual seminars.
On the other hand, asynchronous telehealth refers to communication and data exchange that occurs at different times without requiring real-time interaction. Patients and providers engage through secure messaging platforms, email, or patient portals, allowing patients to communicate with their healthcare providers at their convenience. Asynchronous telehealth offers flexibility in timing, making it ideal for non-urgent matters or when patients require time to articulate their concerns thoroughly. It also fosters comprehensive documentation of patient encounters, as patients can provide detailed medical history and information at their own pace.
In asynchronous vs synchronous telehealth, there's no one approach better than the other. Both offer unique benefits, expanding access to medical services and optimizing patient care in the ever-evolving healthcare landscape. Understanding the difference between asynchronous and synchronous telehealth empowers healthcare providers and patients to make informed decisions about their telehealth preferences.
Asynchronous Telehealth Jobs
Another positive impact of the growing popularity of telehealth is the increasing demand for asynchronous telehealth jobs. This is good for practitioners looking for more channels to gain new revenue streams. Read on for some examples of asynchronous telehealth jobs.
Examples of Practices in Asynchronous Telehealth
- Telemedicine Nurses
Telemedicine nurses review patient messages, analyze symptoms, and offer guidance on treatment options, ensuring patients receive timely and appropriate care. - Massage Therapists
In asynchronous telehealth, massage therapists can provide guidance and self-care routines to patients for managing musculoskeletal issues. Through video demonstrations and written instructions, massage therapists can teach patients therapeutic techniques and exercises to alleviate pain and promote relaxation. - Counselors
Asynchronous telehealth visit supports counselors in delivering mental health services remotely. Counselors can conduct virtual therapy sessions through secure messaging or pre-recorded videos, providing patients with a safe space to discuss their concerns and emotions. - Dietitians and Nutritionists
Dietitians and nutritionists can provide patients personalized dietary guidance and meal plans through the telehealth platform's email or messaging feature. They can address patients' nutritional concerns and monitor their progress. - Physical Therapists
Physical therapists can design exercise programs tailored to individual patients' needs. They can share instructional videos and written guidelines to help patients perform therapeutic exercises correctly.
Roles and Responsibilities of Doctors and Nurses in Asynchronous Telehealth
In asynchronous remote care, doctors and nurses have critical roles and responsibilities to fulfill. Practitioners review patient messages and medical histories, make diagnoses, and prescribe treatments based on the information provided. Nurses collaborate with doctors, answer patient queries, and offer medical advice within their scope of practice.
Professionals must also maintain clear and accurate documentation of patient encounters and adhere to data privacy and security regulations. Aside from these obligations, practitioners should also have the qualifications necessary before providing telehealth services.
Skills and Qualifications Required for Asynchronous Telehealth Jobs
- General Skills and Competencies
Professionals in asynchronous telehealth jobs must possess excellent communication skills to interact effectively with patients through written messages and videos. They should be compassionate, empathetic, and patient-centered. - Medical Knowledge and Expertise
Asynchronous telehealth professionals, such as doctors and nurses, must have strong medical knowledge and expertise to assess patient conditions accurately and provide appropriate guidance. Specializations or additional training in telehealth practices can further enhance their competency. - Data Privacy and Security Awareness
Given the sensitive nature of healthcare data, professionals in asynchronous telehealth jobs must be well-versed in data privacy and security protocols. They should adhere to strict confidentiality guidelines and ensure secure transmission of patient information. - Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking
Asynchronous telehealth professionals encounter diverse patient scenarios and challenges. Problem-solving and critical thinking skills are essential to assess complex situations and develop suitable treatment plans. - Adaptability and Flexibility
Asynchronous telehealth operates in a dynamic and evolving environment. Professionals in this field should be adaptable and flexible to accommodate changes in patient needs, technologies, and healthcare practices.
How Much Can Doctors and Nurses Make in Asynchronous Telehealth?
Telehealth, in general, has truly revolutionized the healthcare industry. It opened new opportunities for providers to connect with patients remotely regardless of the location. That said, it's normal for many practitioners to find workflow-enabled "asynchronous" telehealth enticing.
Physicians can make between $30,000 and $500,000 annually on asynchronous telehealth. However, these numbers could still depend on many variables. For instance, the hours rendered by practitioners, their specialization, the platforms they use, and other factors can affect their overall earnings. Learn more about these factors in the next section.
Factors Affecting Earnings in Asynchronous Telehealth
While it's true that the telehealth marketplace offers practitioners asynchronous telehealth jobs, clinicians should consider commission structures. The problem with using intermediary platforms, like telehealth marketplaces, is you can't take all profits.
The telehealth marketplace is an online platform that connects patients with healthcare providers and medical professionals through telecommunication technologies. These platforms facilitate the delivery of medical services remotely by allowing you to use telehealth tools your practice needs to navigate remote care. In return, they'll charge you commission rates.
Aside from commission charges, these factors can affect your asynchronous telehealth earnings.
- Job Role and Specialization
- Experience and Expertise
- Level of Education and Certification
- Geographic Location
- Hours and Availability
- Patient Volume and Demand
- Licensing and Legal Considerations
- Reputation and Patient Reviews
- Insurance, Reimbursement Policies, and Asynchronous Telehealth CPT Codes
However, integrating an asynchronous telehealth solution directly into your practice instead of joining telehealth marketplaces can give you more control over your earnings. For instance, with Upvio, you can decide how much to charge your patients for asynchronous services, and there are no commission charges.
Average Earnings of Doctors and Nurses in Asynchronous Telehealth Specializations
Commission structures usually vary from one telehealth marketplace provider to the other. Practitioners should research and compare these terms before signing up for services. However, some of the most common structures are as follows:
- Flat Fee
Some telehealth platforms charge a flat fee for each consultation or service provided through their platform. This fee may vary depending on the level of service or features offered. - Percentage-Based
Many telehealth platforms charge a percentage-based commission on the total transaction value for each consultation or service. This percentage could range from 10% to 30% or even higher in some cases. - Subscription-Based
Other platforms offer subscription-based models for healthcare providers. The commission is often included in the subscription cost, and the provider doesn't pay a specific percentage per transaction. - Hybrid Model
Certain platforms may use a combination of flat fees and percentage-based commissions, depending on the type of service or the volume of transactions. - Pay-per-Lead
In some cases, telehealth platforms charge a commission for each lead or potential customer they send to healthcare providers, regardless of whether the consultation results in a transaction.
Below are three of the biggest telehealth marketplaces and how much physicians are paid on the platform.
- Teladoc - Physicians can earn up to $28 per consultation
- HealthTap - Practitioners may receive as much as $30 per session
- MDLive - Practitioners are offered a base salary and an additional $10 per consultation
Impact of Asynchronous Telehealth on Doctors and Nurses' Earnings
- Influence on Consultation Volume
Higher commission rates may attract more healthcare professionals to offer services on a particular platform and can result in increased competition. Conversely, a lower commission might be more appealing to doctors and nurses seeking higher earnings per consultation. - New Income Stream
Telehealth marketplaces help doctors and nurses extend their reach to a broader patient base, increasing their overall earnings potential. Additionally, healthcare providers can tap into an independent earning avenue by offering asynchronous services, facilitated by advanced software solutions such as Upvio practice management software. This approach empowers medical professionals to provide medical consultations and guidance to patients at their convenience, without the constraints of real-time interaction. By embracing such innovative tools, healthcare providers can not only expand their income sources but also offer flexibility and accessible care to patients who require medical attention beyond traditional appointment models. - Potential Reduction in Earnings
The commission charged by telehealth marketplaces may also lead to a potential reduction in earnings for doctors and nurses. The deducted commission can impact the net income from each consultation, especially if the volume of telehealth visits is insufficient to offset the commission costs. - Legislative and Ethical Considerations
Some states may have specific regulations regarding the permissible commission rates in telehealth transactions. For instance, the rule for asynchronous telehealth Alaska and Hawaii can differ from other states. Healthcare professionals must ensure compliance with state laws and ethical guidelines when participating in telehealth marketplaces.
Examples of Asynchronous Telehealth Platforms
Asynchronous telehealth platforms offer many benefits for healthcare practitioners and patients. This mode of healthcare is widely accepted that even military medical facilities throughout the Pacific Region have adopted it through PATH (Pacific Asynchronous Telehealth Program)
Asynchronous telehealth can also come in multiple services. We'll explain each use case and indicate which of the following is a form of asynchronous telehealth service.
Asynchronous Telehealth Services and Offerings
- Remote Monitoring and Health Tracking
One of the many forms of asynchronous telehealth services is remote monitoring. It allows healthcare providers to monitor patients' health and track their progress virtually.
Patients can share vital signs, symptom data, and health-related information through the platform. Healthcare providers can review this information at their convenience and provide timely feedback, allowing for continuous care management.
- Virtual Medical Consultations
Facilitating online medical consultation is another form of asynchronous telehealth. It happens when patients request medical consultations through chat or email or submit their medical history and images asynchronous telehealth platforms.
Once they are available, healthcare providers can review the information and respond with diagnosis and treatment recommendations. This approach provides providers to showcase their medical expertise without in-person visits or to be online at the same time as their patients.
- Digital Prescription
Asynchronous telehealth platforms enable healthcare providers to prescribe medications electronically. Patients can receive digital prescriptions directly through the platform, improving convenience and reducing the need for physical prescriptions.
Asynchronous telehealth platforms often include secure messaging or chat features, allowing patients and providers to communicate asynchronously. Patients can ask questions, seek medical advice, and receive responses from healthcare providers at their convenience.
By leveraging these services, healthcare practitioners can deliver comprehensive care and support to patients, ensuring seamless communication and accessibility to healthcare services.
Further Reading:
- 5 Trends in Telemedicine to Watch in 2023
- Telemedicine Startups: 5 Popular Companies
- How much does it cost to start a telemedicine practice?
Upvio: The Leading Practice Management Solution with Asynchronous Telehealth Services
What makes Upvio better than other asynchronous telehealth companies is that it offers more than asynchronous capabilities. Upvio has all the solutions modern practitioners need in one intuitive platform.
Upvio's synchronous solutions can facilitate effective virtual consultations, remote vital stats checking, and real-time interactions. At the same time, its powerful asynchronous telehealth feature, such as online medical chat, offers practitioners the flexibility to cater to a higher volume of patient consultations without the limitations of time and physical location.
Conclusion
Indeed, the integration of asynchronous telehealth with practice management solutions presents a transformative opportunity for healthcare practitioners. By adopting an asynchronous telehealth platform, practitioners can expand their patient base, provide personalized care, and optimize their schedules for increased earning potential.
However, practitioners should consider the commission charges and impact of using telehealth marketplaces to start their asynchronous telehealth-enabled practice. Alternatively, if these channels don't offer that much revenue for them, using an efficient practice management tool like Upvio is always an option.
Experience firsthand how asynchronous telehealth can revolutionize your practice, elevate patient satisfaction, and empower you to thrive in the evolving healthcare landscape with Upvio. Book your demo now and join the ranks of healthcare pioneers leveraging the potential of asynchronous telehealth.
