Non-Face-to-Face Services in Neurologic Care

Area of Science:

• Neurology
• Health Services Research

Background:

• Ambulatory neurologists face challenges with limited appointment availability and increased workload from out-of-clinic patient care.
• Asynchronous care models offer a potential solution to address these demands and improve neurologist efficiency.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore the utility and reimbursement of asynchronous, non-face-to-face care options for neurologists.
• To identify strategies for integrating these care models to enhance neurologist work-life balance.

Main Methods:

• Review of current billing codes and reimbursement structures for asynchronous care services.
• Analysis of existing asynchronous care modalities including e-visits, eConsults, prolonged services, and remote patient monitoring.
• Discussion of the potential role of artificial intelligence in optimizing asynchronous neurology care.

Main Results:

• Specific billing codes exist for various asynchronous care activities, enabling reimbursement for services like e-visits, eConsults, care coordination, and remote patient monitoring.
• These asynchronous methods allow neurologists to manage patient care effectively outside of traditional face-to-face visits.

Conclusions:

• Implementing asynchronous care options can help neurologists meet increasing patient demands and improve their efficiency.
• Seamless integration of asynchronous care into electronic health records and clinic workflows is crucial for enhancing neurologist work-life balance and patient care delivery.