Telehealth Tips: Mastering Virtual SUD Treatment with Kathy Wibberly
You should not use technology to define what you can do. You should define what you want to do and then look for the technology that will enable you to do it.
When the world shifted to remote interactions, substance use disorder (SUD) treatment providers had to adapt quickly. Enter Kathy Wibberly, Director of the Mid-Atlantic Telehealth Resource Center, who offers a lifeline in this episode with her top five tips for telehealth success. Kathy's advice isn't just about surviving the transition; it's about thriving in this new digital landscape. She kicks off by emphasizing the need to set clear goals for your telehealth services—beyond just avoiding exposure to illness.
Next, she underscores the importance of getting everyone on board, from IT support to billing personnel. Kathy then dives into the nitty-gritty of quality improvement, stressing the need for thorough testing and ongoing training. She also highlights the importance of collecting data to measure the effectiveness of your telehealth services. And lastly, she encourages providers to take risks and learn from their mistakes along the way.
If you're a SUD treatment provider looking to make telehealth work for you and your patients, this episode is packed with practical advice and real-world wisdom.