Growing Telehealth Access and Infrastructure

Description: Indiana will conduct a statewide feasibility study to assess rural provider networks, infrastructure gaps, and opportunities for remote health monitoring using wearable devices to reduce clinician burnout and improve patient outcomes. Findings from the assessment and the competitively selected pilot programs will guide the identification and development of infrastructure that supports expanded telehealth access and improved services for rural Hoosiers.

FAQs

Would telehealth kiosks or similar be included under the telehealth initiative?
Yes, there is potential for telehealth kiosks or other similar technologies to be included under the telehealth initiative. Recommendations for the specific technologies that may be offered to rural communities will be informed by the statewide feasibility study and assessment of current provider networks and infrastructure.

Will psychiatry be one of key specialties?
Psychiatry may be one of the key specialties that will be incorporated in our implementation of expanded telehealth services. Like the technology implementations, the targeted specialty areas will be dependent on the outcome of our feasibility study and likely will be focused on high-priority areas including psychiatry and behavioral health, maternal health, and chronic disease management, among others.

Could the workforce requirement of five years of service spent in rural areas (e.g., tied to residency training programs or fellowships) be fulfilled by clinicians providing telehealth to rural communities?
Yes, delivering telehealth to rural communities may count towards service requirements; however, this is highly dependent on the program and is directly tied to state policies and licensure requirements. This will likely be incorporated in the overall statewide telehealth assessment with specific recommendations assessed throughout the duration of the program.