MATRC

MATRC > Preparing – Are you Ready for Technology?

Step 1:

Preparing

Step 2:

Selecting

Step 3:

Engaging

Step 4:

Resources

Are you Ready for Technology?

Before selecting a vendor, it's crucial to lay the groundwork for a successful telehealth service. Use the "Are You Ready to Select a Vendor?" checklist to assess your readiness.“

Readiness Checklist:

  • Clear Purpose & Strategy - “Why Telehealth” defined by senior leadership
  • Governance in Place - Established team and decision-making processes
  • Multidisciplinary Project Team - Clinical, technical, billing and regulatory expertise
  • Service Defined - Clear scope, patient population and delivery model
  • Clinical Champion Identified - A leader to drive implementation and adopton
  • Business & Clinical Case Documented - Financial and clinical justifications outlined
  • Workflow Mapped - Process for delivering care defined before vendor selection

Defining Your Telehealth Strategy

Before exploring vendors, ensure you have a well-defined strategy that articulates:

  • Why your organization is investing in telehealth
  • What clinical and strategic goals it aims to achieve

At minimum, you should clearly document the business case (financial viability) and clinical case (patient care benefits).

Establishing Telehealth Governance

Strong governance ensures a well-managed, sustainable telehealth program. Your governance team should:

  • Oversee implementation and long-term success
  • Actively participate in vendor selection
  • Define policies, workflows, and accountability structures

Building a Multidisciplinary Project Team

A successful telehealth program requires input from various perspectives, including:

  • Clinical staff (workflow and patient care integration)
  • IT/technical support (technology feasibility)
  • Billing and finance (reimbursement and sustainability)
  • Legal/regulatory experts (compliance and licensure)

Defining Your Telehealth Service

A well-defined service includes:

  • Patient population and conditions being treated
  • Scope of services offered (e.g., video visits, remote monitoring)
  • Integration with existing care models

Identifying a Clinical Champion

Telehealth is a clinical tool, not just a technical one. A clinical champion:

  • Advocates for telehealth adoption among peers
  • Ensures solutions align with patient care needs
  • Helps guide workflow development and technology selection

Documenting the Business & Clinical Case

For sustainability, each telehealth service must have:

  • A financial analysis (reimbursement, ROI, cost savings)
  • A clinical rationale (impact on patient outcomes, provider efficiency)

Mapping Your Workflow Before Vendor Selection

Your ideal workflow should be defined before evaluating technology. This ensures:

  • The vendor’s solution supports your care delivery model
  • Stakeholder input shapes the selection process
  • Adjustments can be made if needed, but the foundation is strong

A vendor should adapt to your needs, not force you to change how you deliver care. Choosing a solution that fits your workflow ensures smoother adoption and long-term success.

By completing this checklist, you'll be well-positioned to select a vendor that aligns with your organization's telehealth goals and operational needs.