The Effects of Telehomecare on Quality and Agency Revenue

Abstract

This article reviews the literature that examines the effects of telehomecare on the quality of patient care. This type of research is important, as home care reimbursement transitions to a pay-for-performance model in which quality indicators determine revenue. Research supports the positive effects of telehomecare technology on the quality of patient care; however, no articles discuss the subsequent effect this increased quality of patient care may have on home care agencies' revenue in a pay-for-performance model. Previous research on whether a home care agency should invest in telehomecare technology has focused on the cost-savings an agency can realize by decreasing costs through the substitution of more expensive traditional home visits with telehomecare virtual visits. Research is needed on the effect telehomecare has on enhancing reimbursement so that home care agencies can add this factor to any investment cost analysis in estimating telehomecare's revenue-producing potential.