CTP Clinical Practice & Patient Care 5 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which quality metric is most relevant for evaluating the clinical effectiveness of a telehealth diabetes management program?
- Number of video visits completed per month
- Change in HbA1c levels over time among enrolled patients (Correct answer)
- Patient satisfaction scores with the video platform
- Average call duration per telehealth encounter
Correct answer: Change in HbA1c levels over time among enrolled patients
HbA1c is the primary clinical outcome measure for diabetes management, reflecting glycemic control over the preceding 2-3 months.
Question 2: A patient using an RPM device reports that their glucose readings seem unusually high for several days. What should the care team do first?
- Immediately adjust insulin dosing based on the RPM data
- Verify the device is calibrated and the patient is using correct technique before acting on data (Correct answer)
- Discharge the patient from the RPM program
- Ignore the readings until the next scheduled visit
Correct answer: Verify the device is calibrated and the patient is using correct technique before acting on data
Device error and incorrect technique are common causes of spurious readings; verification must occur before clinical decisions are made.
Question 3: When performing a telehealth mental health assessment, what environmental factor should the provider encourage the patient to control?
- Using headphones to prevent audio feedback and ensure privacy (Correct answer)
- Having family members present to provide collateral history
- Using a public location to ensure stable internet connectivity
- Keeping background noise to verify the patient is safe
Correct answer: Using headphones to prevent audio feedback and ensure privacy
Headphones reduce audio feedback, improve sound quality, and help maintain confidentiality during mental health sessions.
Question 4: Which of the following best supports continuity of care after a telehealth visit?
- Sending the patient a billing statement promptly
- Transmitting a visit summary and follow-up instructions to the patient and their PCP (Correct answer)
- Archiving the visit recording in the EHR without notifying the patient
- Scheduling the next telehealth visit without documenting the current encounter
Correct answer: Transmitting a visit summary and follow-up instructions to the patient and their PCP
Sharing a visit summary with the patient and their primary care provider ensures care coordination and follow-through on clinical recommendations.
Question 5: A telehealth provider is practicing in State A but the patient is located in State B during the visit. Whose laws primarily govern the clinical encounter?
- State A, where the provider holds their license
- State B, where the patient is physically located at the time of the visit (Correct answer)
- Federal law supersedes all state-specific regulations
- The laws of whichever state is more permissive for telehealth
Correct answer: State B, where the patient is physically located at the time of the visit
In most US jurisdictions, telehealth care is regulated by the state where the patient is physically located, requiring the provider to hold licensure there.
Question 6: Which strategy is most effective for reducing 'no-show' rates in a telehealth program?
- Charging patients a large cancellation fee
- Sending automated appointment reminders and providing easy-to-follow connection instructions in advance (Correct answer)
- Scheduling all appointments only during business hours
- Limiting telehealth to patients who have previously attended in-person visits
Correct answer: Sending automated appointment reminders and providing easy-to-follow connection instructions in advance
Automated reminders combined with clear technical instructions reduce no-shows by addressing forgetfulness and technology anxiety.
Question 7: A patient with poor health literacy is struggling to understand discharge instructions delivered via telehealth. Which technique should the provider use?
- Email the patient a lengthy PDF with all instructions
- Use the teach-back method to confirm patient understanding during the video visit (Correct answer)
- Ask the patient to search online for more information
- Provide instructions only in medical terminology for precision
Correct answer: Use the teach-back method to confirm patient understanding during the video visit
The teach-back method, asking patients to repeat instructions in their own words, is the evidence-based gold standard for confirming health literacy comprehension.
CTP Clinical Practice & Patient Care 5
Which quality metric is most relevant for evaluating the clinical effectiveness of a telehealth diabetes management program?