The first group of e-mail or text message communications went out to active hearing aid wearers and within a week, 146 patients initiated HIPAA-compliant E-visit communications with the practice.

The patient responses were prioritized and fit into the following categories: (1) I’m fine, thanks for giving me a way to connect, (2) I need supplies or batteries, (3) My hearing aids seem broken, (4) I would like to buy new hearing aids, and (5) I have an illness/condition requiring a physician evaluation.

Although audiology cannot bill for an E-visit under the CMS guidelines, the use of the patient-initiated, E-visit technology is proving to be very positive in expanding the practice’s ability to communicate, provide care, and drive excellent patient outcomes.

Within three weeks, the practice collected $18,000 through their newly created remote service delivery channels. The provider team scheduled and is working on completing the 256 additional follow-up visits between the audiologists and physicians at a direct value $25,000. Medium term follow-up revenue is expected to generate a minimum of $32,000.

Overall, ENT Hearing Associates of Florida E-visit program is estimated to generate $75,000. And it is just a beginning.

“The results of E-visits are real. We are proving that we can improve hearing aid patients’ lives while generating revenue through virtual delivery channel,” Ramos said.

ENT Hearing Associates of Florida continues to evaluate the results of the initial efforts and is developing plans for how to better implement virtual visits.

“In the last six weeks, clinics have rushed to address patient and business needs,” said James Benson, President and Founder of QM2 Solutions. “The new normal requires providers to focus on quality to thrive in the future by focusing on the right patient, the right intervention, at the right time, and now, the right communication channel,” Benson said.

As providers continue to implement virtual visits, we will work with clients to share results.

To request a demonstration of these and other QM2 Solutions services, click this link: www.qm2solutions/evisits.