Treatment Protocols & Procedures Flashcards

Which scenario BEST illustrates appropriate use of asynchronous telehealth in dermatology?

Answer: A primary care provider sends high-resolution photos of a skin lesion to a dermatologist for review within 48 hours

Asynchronous (store-and-forward) dermatology allows PCPs to submit photos for specialist review without requiring both parties to be online simultaneously.

A telehealth treatment protocol must address 'informed consent' by ensuring the patient understands:

Answer: The nature, limitations, risks, and alternatives to telehealth services before the encounter begins

Informed consent for telehealth requires patients to understand the modality's limitations, privacy protections, and available alternatives including in-person care.

When a telehealth platform experiences a technical failure mid-visit, the coordinator's protocol should:

Answer: Switch to an approved backup communication method (e.g., phone) and document the technical issue in the record

Protocols must include backup communication methods so care can continue; the technical issue and backup method used must be documented.

For a telehealth protocol treating hypertension via RPM, which blood pressure reading would typically trigger an immediate provider alert?

Answer: 180/120 mmHg or higher (hypertensive crisis threshold)

A reading of ≥180/120 mmHg meets the threshold for hypertensive crisis and requires urgent clinical evaluation.

What is the purpose of a 'warm handoff' in a telehealth care coordination protocol?

Answer: A real-time introduction between the patient and the next provider to ensure a smooth, informed care transition

A warm handoff involves a direct, real-time introduction where the current provider briefs the receiving provider about the patient in the patient's presence.

Under a telehealth protocol for behavioral health, which action by a coordinator is MOST appropriate when a patient discloses active suicidal ideation?

Answer: Follow the crisis protocol: stay with the patient on the call, alert the provider immediately, and arrange emergency services if needed

Active suicidal ideation requires immediate crisis protocol activation, including keeping the patient engaged, alerting a clinician, and coordinating emergency response.

A telehealth coordinator notices a patient's RPM device has not transmitted data in 5 days. The BEST protocol response is to:

Answer: Reach out to the patient to troubleshoot the device, verify connectivity, and flag for provider review if unresolved

Data gaps in RPM may indicate device failure, patient non-engagement, or clinical deterioration; proactive outreach ensures care continuity.