| This research problem was examined using a qualitative descriptive methodology, which addressed the current state of utilization of telepractice among speech-language pathologists in upstate New York hospitals. Telepractice refers to the use of telecommunications and remote technology to provide health-related services to patients at a distance.; Despite the purported benefits of using telepractice, there was relatively low utilization of this service delivery tool found among speech-language pathologists. This research yielded three major findings. The first finding is the complete absence of telepractice utilization among survey respondents representing practitioners in upstate New York hospitals. Second, very few respondents reported familiarity with telepractice, and third, there was no traditional means of reimbursing practitioners for services delivered via telepractice.; Based on the topic for this research, Utilization and Reimbursement of Telepractice among Speech-Language Pathologists in Upstate New York Hospitals , descriptive, qualitative methodology, rather than quantitative methodology, was better aligned with the research structure of conceptual examination of the topic. The topic deals with legal, ethical, and fiscal aspects of a relatively new mode of service delivery. The sources of data for this research effort are primarily the provider survey (i.e., a survey of speech language pathologists working in a hospital setting providing care to patients) and intermediary survey (i.e., a survey of health insurance companies that reimburse hospitals for services), in addition to a literature search and documents published by professional associations and government agencies. |
