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Skilled nursing facilities were able to limit emergency room visits after implementing a more robust telemedicine program, according to new findings published in the Journal of Post-Acute and Long-Term Care Medicine

The findings were detailed by University of Maryland School of Medicine researchers who designed and implemented a telemedicine program from June 2017 through August 2018 at three Baltimore SNFs. The investigation was part of an effort to determine if telemedicine services could provide early detection and management of treatment problems in residents and prevent emergency transfers. 

The program included integrating telemedicine services into SNF standards of care, conducting staff training on the equipment and adding more resources for employees to use. 

Findings showed the SNFs were able to identify changes in resident conditions with telemedicine among 42% of the patients requiring further evaluation. 

Of those, nearly 70% were able to remain at the SNF for treatment while the other 30% had to be transferred to the emergency room. 

Researchers said the findings revealed the evidence shows telemedicine visits benefit SNF residents by allowing them to remain in place for treatment, limiting transportation concerns and potential exposure to infectious agents.

“With the post-pandemic changes in Medicare and Medicaid reimbursement for telemedicine SNF visits, telemedicine may improve access and quality of care for SNF residents,” the authors concluded.