Asynchronous visit

What happens during an asynchronous visit?

Store-and-forward is the electronic transmission of medical information to a practitioner, usually a specialist, who uses it to evaluate a case or render a service outside a real-time or live interaction [1]. The Medicare Claims Processing Manual defines "store and forward" as the asynchronous transmission of medical information reviewed later by a practitioner at the distant site, which may include video clips, images, x-rays, lab results, audio clips, and text [1]. Because the specialist, primary care provider, and patient do not need to be available at the same time, the need to coordinate schedules is removed [2].

How is an asynchronous visit different from a live visit?

A live, real-time visit connects a patient and provider at the same time, while store-and-forward provides access to data, such as through secure email, after it has already been collected [2]. In many states, telehealth and telemedicine are defined as requiring "real time" delivery, which excludes store-and-forward altogether [1].

Is an asynchronous visit covered by insurance?

Store-and-forward is less commonly reimbursed by Medicare and Medicaid than live visits, and coverage by private insurers is not guaranteed [1][2]. Under the federal telehealth regulation quoted by CCHP, Medicare allows asynchronous store-and-forward in place of a live connection only in federal telemedicine demonstration programs in Alaska or Hawaii [1]. Medicaid policies on reimbursing store-and-forward vary from state to state [2].