Virtual medical assistants are at an advantage for their remote work set-up during this abrupt shift to work-from-home. They’ve long been reliant on telecommuting tools to perform functions efficiently, making them well-versed in essential telemedicine technology. The normalization of telemedicine has long been plagued by technical difficulties. That’s why it’s important that they provide doctors and patients the essential support to bridge the gap. Here are four supportive roles VMAs can provide for more successful telemedicine sessions.

Device Support

Before getting started with telemedicine, a hardware check is crucial. Most experienced practitioners stick to devices they are familiar with. The problem with this is that technology moves at a rapid pace and many gadgets are soon outdated. VMAs can take charge of learning device updates and features of new healthcare-specific platforms. While many laptops, tablets, and phones of today are capable of doing the bare minimum for telemedicine, updated hardware is preferred for optimized sessions.

Portal Support

Successful portal support is the application of software capable of telemedicine performance and security. Tech-savvy assistants save doctors time in choosing the right applications, preferably those with features supporting HIPAA and integrating EMRs/EHRs into one interface.

User Support

Healthcare professionals aren’t expected to be familiar with every nook and cranny of the hardware and software. However, they should be capacitated with a workable understanding of telemedicine. Virtual assistants can provide user support training and simulations to upskill these often busy professionals. The same goes for patients who may be provided with basic tutorials in the installation and use of the required applications.

IT Support

In special situations, IT support may troubleshoot backend problems such as internet connectivity or hardware malfunctions. Not everything may be foreseen and it helps if there are tech experts on call, ready to assist at a moment’s notice.

These four classifications of support enable doctors and patients for successful virtual visits. Technical and security concerns are not unfounded, but both parties have to find a way to work around them as healthcare becomes even more of a prime concern. With that, they need all the support they could get.

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