Google now allows physicians to enter a "virtual care offering" option into their business profiles so users searching for certain types of care can sign up for telehealth options directly.
Five details:
1. When the virtual care offerings are entered into a physician's business profile, people can see a "get online care" link through Google Search or Google Maps. When they click on the link, they'll arrive at the provider's virtual care website to schedule a visit.
2. Google also made updates so that healthcare providers can communicate any new operating and walk-in visit policies due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Google Search and Google Maps page will include a link to the provider's COVID-19 information page, and Google has put together a "best practices" resource to help healthcare providers update their COVID-19 information on Google My Business.
3. Google will now include information about telehealth when people search for healthcare providers and information about out-of-pocket prices for individuals without insurance.
4. Google Cloud also has a HIPAA-compliant version of the G Suite products to help physicians support remote patient care. Physicians can use Google Meet for telehealth or virtual visits, and it has virtual agents to respond to questions about COVID-19.
5. Google can also help with capacity planning and medical supply demand forecasting for supply chain management.
More articles on healthcare:
Orthopedic surgeons note spike in orthopedic injuries during COVID-19 pandemic
CMS recommends 3 tiers for determining which care should proceed during COVID-19
Hospital for Special Surgery opens 5 orthopedic urgent cares