Mission and Goals

The Section on Telehealth Care (SOTC) is a forum for pediatricians committed to improving the organization, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of telephone care in pediatric practice. The Academy established the SOTC in 1998 in response to the proliferation of pediatric call centers, automated triage technologies, and increased interest in telephone protocols and documentation guidelines throughout the pediatric community.

Our goals are:

• Helping pediatricians manage after hours patient calls. (go to after hours)
  
• Educating pediatricians and their office staff on the latest telephone management strategies (eg, triage protocols, advice, training, supervision, documentation, case management, automated call centers and after hours options). (go to education)
• Researching the impact of the structured telephone encounter on access, quality, and the cost of pediatric care. (go to research)
• Creating curricula and resources to educate residents on the essentials of pediatric telephone care.
• Developing policies and procedures to improve the quality and efficiency of telephone care in pediatric settings. (go to publications)
• Reducing medicolegal risks associated with telephone triage and advice.
• Analyzing the cost effectiveness of telephone care, determining its relative value, and advocating for appropriate coding and reimbursement for clinical medical encounters conducted via the telephone.(go to reimbursement)

Fellows interested in learning more about the Section are invited to attend its educational sessions and annual business meeting at the National Conference and Exhibition.

SOTC membership is open to all Fellows of the Academy with an interest or active involvement in the pediatric telephone management. For further details, please contact Julie Kersten Ake, at 847/434-7662 or send an e-mail message to jake@aap.org.