Philadelphia Medicine Summer 2021 - 14

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FEATURE continued
Protective equipment
The biggest change to remain throughout the new normal is
the increased use of protective equipment and general health safety
procedures.
" We have to be even more fastidious with our sterile procedure, "
Lefton said. " And we continue to employ rigorous safety measures
for our patients and staff. "
As soon as Medicare announced coverage provided for telemedicine,
Mercado's practice began seeing patients remotely.
" We were waiting for Congress to approve telemedicine through
Medicare and (most) insurance companies follow what Medicare
dictates, " he said.
Starting on March 18, 2020, 95% of Mercado's patients visited
virtually. The medical community, patients and insurance companies
fully embraced telemedicine, and both Lefton and Mercado saw this
as a positive advancement for their patients and practices.
But, as early as October 1, 2020, insurers ceased covering virtual
visits in full under certain circumstances. According to Advisory
Board, insurers UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Anthem have rolled
back some coverage with others planning similar actions this year.
" When you can't see a patient in person there are limitations, but
I will say there are some very elderly patients who find it difficult to
get out, " Lefton said. " Telemedicine does have a role and would be
worthwhile going forward, but I don't know if the powers that be are
willing to allow that in the future. It was helpful and it was necessary. "
Approximately 40% of all Medicare beneficiaries used telehealth
to obtain medical services since the start of the pandemic.
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services is working to
add certain telemedicine services to the payment rule.
" Telemedicine is here to stay, " Mercado said. " The thing is, there
are things we can do through telemedicine and things we have to
do in the office, whether there is a pandemic or not. "
Waiting room
" We are still following separation (guidelines) in our waiting room, "
Lefton said. " Our waiting capacity is about half of what it was before. "
Gastrointestinal Specialists has implemented a drop-off and pickup
notification procedure using cellphones for patients to help alleviate
crowding. Everywhere, new ideas and uses for existing technology
are helping practices manage patient flow to and from the office.
Mercado Medical Practice has undergone many physical changes,
and one item missed the most is the free coffee machine.
" Patients sometimes take three buses to come see us, and the
least we can do is offer them some coffee, " Mercado said. " We had
to shut down that machine. It's a simple thing, but our patients are
wondering when we are going to open it back up. "
It is the simple things that remind Mercado to be a patient advocate,
even if it means making physical changes limiting his patient perks.
14 Philadelphia Medicine : Summer 2021
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Philadelphia Medicine Summer 2021

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