Telemedicine Success in Gastroenterology
The Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition is currently seeing 92% of total visits via telemedicine, which is 65% above the University of Utah average. Most GI providers have realized efficiencies gained while operating within the scope of telemedicine. The higher volume of telemedicine visits have permitted an increase in patient access. In contrast, pre-telemedicine statistics are showing a monthly increase of 25% (369 patients), which has connected more patients to their healthcare providers.
The Division feel strongly that the overall care for our patients has improved with the additional interactions afforded by telemedicine. While patient access and additional interactions have increased, we have seen a decrease in no-show and cancelation rates attributed to telemedicine. Cancelation rates within 24hrs have dropped from 7.6% (pre-telemed) to 6.3% (current state). No-show rates have also dropped from 5.1 (pre-telemed) to 3.5 (current state).
There has also been an increase in the number of prescriptions filled at the University of Utah Pharmacies with high utilization of the mail order pharmacy. We credit this success to Drs. Anne Flynn and Keisa Lynch who have guided this project forward. Much of their effort has been in expanding and developing templates while providing education and best practices to our clinical providers.