Social distancing restrictions and precautions have an increasing number of O&P professionals turning to telehealth as an alternative method for continued patient care during the coronavirus pandemic. Our current Statement on Telehealth in O&P is even more relevant now that the usage of telehealth has been magnified. The statement also specifies the appropriate use of this technology as it relates to the ABC Code of Professional Ethics, Scope of Practice and Facility Accreditation Standards.

We encourage facilities that are considering telehealth for patient care, or are currently implementing it, to review this great resource as it addresses specific criteria and protocol such as new vs existing patients, referrals, solicitation, valid patient-provider relationships, required documentation, appointment types, technology, security, PHI, HIPAA and billing. Also included are Telehealth FAQs that you may find helpful to print out and share with staff.

And there’s more! Listen to our two-part Telehealth in O&P podcast where we get guidance and insights from several special guests:

Episode 25 – Whether you’re already using telehealth in your practice or considering it, be sure to listen to part one of our two-part podcast which includes guidance from ABC and insight from one practice owner and the impact on her practice.

Episode 26 – provides insights from three practitioners who are successfully using telehealth for the continuum of patient care.

Listen to these and other CredCast podcasts at ABCop.org or subscribe via Apple Podcasts or Google Podcasts.