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Implementation of Telemedicine in a Laryngology Practice During the COVID-19
Pandemic: Lessons Learned, Experiences Shared
#MMPMID32778359
Strohl MP
; Dwyer CD
; Ma Y
; Rosen CA
; Schneider SL
; Young VN
J Voice
2022[May]; 36
(3
): 396-402
PMID32778359
show ga
OBJECTIVES: The novel coronavirus disease 2019 has posed significant limitations
and barriers to providing in-person healthcare. We aim to provide a summary of
learned experiences and important considerations for implementing and offering
telehealth to provide laryngology subspecialty care during the COVID-19 pandemic
and thereafter. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Four laryngologists and a
voice-specialized speech-language pathologist from a tertiary-care academic Voice
and Swallowing Center were engaged in a structured group consensus conference.
Participants shared input, experiences, and practice patterns employed via
telemedicine (via telephone or video-communication) during the early COVID-19
era. RESULTS: Key identified areas of consideration when offering telemedicine
included (1) how to set up and structure a telemedicine visit and maintain
patient confidentiality, (2) patient examination and treatment initiation, (3)
optimization of the tele-visit, (4) limitations and recognition of when a
tele-visit is insufficient for patient care needs, (5) billing/reimbursement
considerations. Group consensus for the aforementioned topics is summarized and
discussed. CONCLUSION: During the COVID-19 pandemic, a telemedicine model can be
effectively employed to improve patient access to subspecialty laryngology care,
including a multidisciplinary care approach, with initiation of various
therapeutic interventions. A major limitation given the preclusion of in-person
assessment is the lack of access to laryngoscopy, which can likely be delayed
safely in the majority of individuals.