#16 - A Doctor’s Breakup with Telemedicine

Sponsored by: Set For LifeSet For Life Insurance helps doctors safeguard their future with True Own Occupational Disability Insurance. A single injury or illness can change everything, but the best physicians plan ahead. Protect your income and secure your future before life makes the choice for you. Your career deserves protection—act now at https://www.doctorpodcastnetwork.co/setforlife_______________In this episode, Dr. Mark Chmiela sits down with hosts Phoebe Gutierrez and Dr. Leo Damasco to discuss his experience with telemedicine in a busy Las Vegas pain management practice. Dr. Chmiela shares how telemedicine was a lifeline during COVID, allowing continuity of care for chronic pain patients when in-person visits were restricted. He explains the shift back to in-person care in 2024 due to insurance reimbursement cuts, regulatory challenges, and concerns about fraud. Despite these hurdles, Dr. Chmiela sees telemedicine as a valuable tool to reduce barriers for patients with transportation or mobility issues, though he emphasizes the irreplaceable value of in-person connections. The conversation also touches on niche treatments like IV hydration and the importance of informed consent in elective therapies.Three Actionable Takeaways:Use Telemedicine Strategically – Incorporate telemedicine for stable chronic pain patients or those with mobility issues to reduce barriers, but prioritize in-person visits for new symptoms or physical exams.Monitor Insurance Policies – Stay informed about changing reimbursement rules for telemedicine to ensure financial sustainability in your practice.Embrace Technology Thoughtfully – Adopt telemedicine to enhance patient access, but maintain high standards to avoid fraud and ensure quality care.About the Show:Telemedicine Talks explores the evolving world of digital health, helping physicians navigate new opportunities, regulatory challenges, and career transitions in telemedicine.About the Guest:Dr. Mark Chmiela is a double board-certified anesthesiologist and pain management physician practicing in Las Vegas. Part of a large pain medicine group, he serves a diverse patient population, including underserved communities, managing chronic pain through medication, interventional therapies, and holistic care. Dr. Chmiela has extensive experience with telemedicine, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic, and advocates for its role in improving patient access when used appropriately.Website: https://health.usnews.com/doctors/mark-chmiela-1414283LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-chmiela-1a5802194/About the Hosts:Dr. Leo Damasco – Pediatrician and emergency medicine doctor turned telemedicine advocate, helping physicians transition to digital health.Phoebe Gutierrez – Former state regulator turned telehealth executive, specializing in compliance and sustainable virtual care models.Connect with Phoebe Gutierrez:https://www.linkedIn.com/in/pkgutierrez/[email protected]  The information provided in Telemedicine Talks is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical, legal, or financial advice. While we discuss best practices, industry trends, and real-world experiences, every situation is unique. Listeners should consult with qualified professionals before making decisions related to telemedicine practice, compliance, contracts, or business operations. The views expressed by the hosts and guests are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of any organizations they may be affiliated with. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.