Name of the Procedure:

Telehealth Originating Site Facility Fee

• Common Names: Telehealth visit, Virtual consultation fee
• HCPCS Code: Q3014

Summary

The Telehealth Originating Site Facility Fee is a charge incurred by healthcare facilities that host patients for remote consultations with healthcare providers. This fee covers the costs of providing a site for the telehealth service, including the necessary telecommunications equipment and support.

Purpose

This fee supports telehealth services, which allows patients to receive medical consultations and follow-up care remotely. The fee helps cover the infrastructure expenses associated with providing a secure and private environment for telehealth visits.

Indications

Telehealth services are appropriate for patients who:

• Cannot easily travel to healthcare providers due to distance, disability, or health conditions.
• Require follow-up consultations after initial in-person visits.
• Need specialist advice that is unavailable in their local area.
• Are experiencing non-emergent issues that can be managed through remote consultation.

Preparation

Typically, no special preparation is necessary for this service. Patients may need to ensure they have necessary medical records or information available for the telehealth consultation.

Procedure Description

1. The patient arrives at the healthcare facility designated as the originating site.
2. The facility staff helps the patient set up the telecommunication equipment.
3. The patient and the remote healthcare provider connect through a secure video conferencing tool.
4. The healthcare provider conducts the consultation, provides medical advice, and may prescribe medications if necessary.
5. The facility staff assists the patient with any necessary follow-up steps.

Duration

A telehealth consultation typically lasts between 15 to 30 minutes, depending on the complexity of the medical issue.

Setting

The procedure is performed at an outpatient clinic, healthcare center, or another medical facility equipped to provide telehealth services.

Personnel

• Facility Support Staff: Assist with setting up the equipment and ensuring the consultation runs smoothly.
• Remote Healthcare Provider: A doctor, nurse practitioner, or other qualified medical professional conducting the consultation.

Risks and Complications

• Technical issues such as poor internet connection or faulty equipment.
• Potential for lower-quality care if the telehealth visit cannot completely replace an in-person examination.

Benefits

• Increased access to healthcare for remote or underserved populations.
• Convenience and potential cost savings for the patient.
• Timely medical advice and follow-up care without the need for travel.
• Reduced risk of exposure to contagious diseases in a healthcare setting.

Recovery

Since this is a non-invasive service, there is no recovery period. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after the consultation. Any follow-up instructions will be provided by the healthcare provider.

Alternatives

• In-person Visits: Traditional face-to-face consultations, suitable for comprehensive examinations and treatments.

  • Pros: Direct physical examination, immediate access to diagnostic tools.
  • Cons: Requires travel, potential long wait times, higher exposure to infectious agents.

• Home Telehealth: Patients use their own devices to access telehealth services from home.

  • Pros: Extreme convenience, no need to travel.
  • Cons: May require the patient to manage the technical setup; not suitable for complex or critical assessments.

Patient Experience

During the telehealth consultation, the patient can expect:

• A virtual face-to-face interaction with a healthcare provider using a video conferencing tool.
• Assistance from facility staff to ensure a smooth and secure connection.
• Minimal physical discomfort, as the procedure is non-invasive.
• Emotional reassurance from the ability to easily access medical advice.

Pain management is not typically necessary for this procedure since it is non-invasive and does not involve physical interventions. Comfort measures include providing a private and comfortable space for the consultation.