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. 2020 Dec;22(12):920-928.
doi: 10.1089/dia.2020.0042. Epub 2020 Apr 21.

Top 10 Tips for Successfully Implementing a Diabetes Telehealth Program

Stephanie Crossen  1   2 , Jennifer Raymond  3 , Aaron Neinstein  4   5
Affiliations

Top 10 Tips for Successfully Implementing a Diabetes Telehealth Program

Stephanie Crossen et al. Diabetes Technol Ther. 2020 Dec.

Abstract

Diabetes management is well suited to use of telehealth, and recent improvements in both diabetes technology and telehealth policy make this an ideal time for diabetes providers to begin integrating telehealth into their practices. This article provides background information, specific recommendations for effective implementation, and a vision for the future landscape of telehealth within diabetes care to guide interested providers and practices on this topic. Note: This article was written prior to the COVID19 pandemic, and does not include information about recent telehealth policy changes that occurred during or as a result of this public health crisis.

Keywords: Diabetes mellitus; Patient-centered care; Patient-generated health data; Telehealth.

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Conflict of interest statement

S.C. has no competing financial interests to disclose. J.R. has no competing financial interests to disclose. A.N. has received research support from Cisco Systems, Inc.; has received consulting fees from Nokia Growth Partners and Grand Rounds; serves as advisor to Steady Health (received stock options); has received speaking honoraria from Academy Health and Symposia Medicus; has written for WebMD (receives compensation); and is a medical advisor and cofounder of Tidepool (for which he receives no compensation). The software applications depicted in this article's figures are included as examples only and do not represent the authors' endorsement of those products. The patient information depicted in this article's figures is fictional.

Figures

FIG. 1.
FIG. 1.
Utility of wide-screen monitor for telehealth encounters. Examples of workstation display using 24″ monitor (A) versus 38″ wide-screen monitor (B).
FIG. 2.
FIG. 2.
Steps to use CPT code 95251 for CGM interpretation. (1) Upload CGM documentation to chart—most commonly via scan and PDF upload. (2) Document analysis of CGM data—currently manual but could be automated by diabetes software vendors using automated text generation and copy-paste, or SMART-on-FHIR application. (3) Document service performed—time spent on CGM analysis should not be included in E&M code time. (4) Drop charge for 95251—use 25 modifier if performed on same day as an E&M-coded visit. CGM, continuous glucose monitoring; CPT; FHIR, Fast Healthcare Interoperability Resource; SMART, Substitutable Medical Applications and Reusable Technologies.
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References

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