The efficiencies we have gained through the deployment of our telemedicine offerings virtually eliminated any declines in patient visits—even during the peak of the pandemic.
TR: What are your thoughts on telemedicine? Will you continue to provide patients the option post-pandemic?
Dr. Busch: We will definitely continue to employ telemedicine post-pandemic and certainly [use it] as a touchpoint between visits. However, in looking at our numbers, we believe most patients are now coming to the office in person for their visits.
Regarding future capabilities of our telemedicine offerings, our group (AARA) will be launching a new product, called HomeRheum, which will allow telemedicine visits to be even more seamless. It will include the implementation of a virtual welcome/waiting room. This will allow any care center in our network to allow virtual walk-ins and will further simplify the virtual experience for our patients.
TR: Are you recommending rheumatology patients get a COVID-19 vaccination when it becomes broadly available?
Dr. Busch: I think, based on our present knowledge, that taking the COVID-19 vaccine would be advisable, especially considering the new mRNA technology.
TR: What lessons have you learned from the pandemic?
Dr. Busch: I believe groups function better rather than independent practices—that they are greater than the sum of their parts. Offices that follow our blueprint continue to thrive safely, and our improved communication with our patients surrounding the pandemic demystified some of the issues, making them less likely to cancel their appointments because we addressed their concerns.
Additionally, communication is more important than ever. Our group’s ability to engage with each other seamlessly in real time, using enterprise platforms, such as Microsoft Teams, has not only made this communication easier, but has proven to us all how important it is to stay connected during these unique and challenging times. Being able to connect with other providers in our network with the simple click of a mouse and to collaborate via our Teams structure has allowed us to deploy best-in-class solutions literally in real time.
TR: What are you looking forward to doing post-pandemic that you haven’t been able to do in the past year?
Dr. Busch: I’m looking forward to taking a vacation. With that said, I realize the value and power of Bendcare having our back during this time, which allowed us to implement and execute programs that benefited the physicians, office staff and patients on this journey.
I am also looking forward to hugging and handshaking again, given the close relationships I have with my patients. This has been a stressful and trying time for everyone, but there is nothing more powerful than the unifying comradery of a well-aligned team.
