A virtual medical practice offers a valuable service that allows patients and physicians to connect from home. When learning how to start a telemedicine practice, there are a few factors to consider.

Below are some steps you need to take in order to get your telemedicine practice ready to hit the ground running.

Start Your Business

The first step towards creating your business, is to work with an incorporation attorney, local medical board or Small Business Association.

Know Your State Laws

You will want to also work with your attorney to identify the local laws for telemedicine in your state.

There are some states that require face-to-face doctor visits with no wiggle room on telemedicine.

Additionally, you will want to have a full knowledge of prescriber laws as they apply to telemedicine in your state.

Choose Your Strategy

There are generally two popular digital strategies for telemedicine.

Direct-to consumer is a method where the patient can be contacted from home, without medical staff present.

Hub-and-Spoke is a method where the patient is able to communicate virtually only by visiting a pre-authorized facility such as a clinic or hospital.

Know Your Patient Profile

If your patients are largely covered through Medicare or Medicaid, this is important to understand the implications that may have on your business.

For example, Medicare patients generally have very limited insurance approval for telemedicine visits.

However, Medicaid is regarded as having a very inclusive policy surrounding telemedicine.

Billing

Finally, you will need to acquire a physical address for insurance billing purposes.

The codes for billing for a telemedicine visit are the same as an in-person office visit.

How to Start a Telemedicine Practice

If you are interested in starting a telemedicine practice, it is best to seek help from those who understand what it takes to establish a thriving practice.

At Capital Practice Consulting, our team of professionals have extensive experience working with telemedicine practices.

If you would like to schedule a free audit with Capital Practice Consulting, call us today at (571)306-3446.