More than 200 apply for ATA accreditation in first two months
In the first two months of the American Telemedicine Association's (ATA) program for accreditation for online patient consultations, more than 200 organizations have registered.
The ATA awarded its first accreditation to Amwell, a healthcare service provided by American Well.
The ATA accreditation program recognizes U.S. healthcare entities providing real-time, online consultations directly to the patient that meet specific standards, according to an ATA release. Designed by experts in the field, ATA’s Accreditation Program for Online Patient Consultations has been developed to establish standard criteria regarding the security of patient information, transparency in pricing and operations, qualifications and licensing of providers and clinical practices and guidelines.
IThe program aims to provide consumers with a sense of security as well as benchmarks for organizations building an online practice, and also provides reassurance for payers that the virtual services they are reimbursing are safe and of high quality.
“In an age where the average consumer manages nearly all aspects of life online, it’s a no-brainer that healthcare should be just as convenient, accessible and safe as online banking,” said Jonathan Linkous, CEO of ATA. “This program ensures that online healthcare services are following the necessary standards, guidelines and laws to provide safe care to American consumers.”
Amwell will be clearly listed on SafeOnlineHealth.org, a resource to help consumers better understand the growing use of telecommunications in the delivery of healthcare services. Visitors also can learn more about online healthcare and browse accredited services.
Editor
Editor Beth earned a bachelor’s degree in journalism and master’s in health communication. She has worked in hospital, academic and publishing settings over the past 20 years. Beth joined TriMed in 2005, as editor of CMIO and Clinical Innovation + Technology. When not covering all things related to health IT, she spends time with her husband and three children.