Telehealth enables senior care pharmacists to reach beyond facility walls.
Telehealth--including telepharmacy--is beginning to play an increasing role in the provision of health care services. Although further study is necessary to document the impact of this technology in senior care and other settings, telehealth has demonstrated the potential to increase patient access to pharmacists and other practitioners. It also can help in monitoring and testing for chronic conditions, reducing costs, and preventing hospitalizations and emergency room use. However, Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for such services remains low, and the cost for implementing telehealth programs can be prohibitive. Nonetheless, telehealth is an important health care technology tool for senior care pharmacists, particularly as their clinical reach stretches beyond nursing facilities to other senior living settings and the community at large.
Joanne
J
Kaldy