Telehealth: From Pandemic Tool to Preferred Option

As healthcare continues to evolve at breakneck speed, staying ahead of the curve is crucial for leaders. HealthStream's annual white paper, authored by industry expert Robin Rose, MHA, identifies the top ten trends poised to reshape the landscape in the coming year. This blog series delves into each trend.

Telehealth: From Pandemic Tool to Preferred Option

The COVID-19 pandemic propelled telehealth from a rarely used tool to a preferred way to receive care, seemingly overnight. But with the pandemic fading, many questioned its staying power.

Today, however, the convenience and comfort of telehealth are proving to be in high demand. Once patients try a telehealth medical appointment, they are reluctant to give up this option for routine care. In fact, telehealth is expanding in ways patients and healthcare professionals would have never considered before.

Telehealth 2.0: More Than Just Video Calls

The latest version of telehealth is being called Telehealth 2.0. It goes far beyond simple video calls to encompass a wide range of services, including:

• Remote patient monitoring: Track vital signs and data before and after treatment, allowing for proactive interventions.
• Chronic disease management: Manage diabetes, heart disease, and mental health conditions remotely, improving access and adherence to treatment plans.
• Specialty care for rural patients: Access specialty care that may be difficult or impossible to obtain in remote areas, addressing the healthcare disparities often faced by rural communities.
• Mental health support: Receive mental health support remotely, providing a safe, private option for those facing stigma or limited access to traditional services.

The benefits of Telehealth 2.0 are numerous, including increased access to care, improved patient outcomes, and reduced healthcare costs.

New Players Enter the Game

Telehealth is also attracting new players, diversifying the landscape of primary care. Initially, telehealth was the purview of traditional medical practices, but it is now being adopted by:

• Retail clinics: These clinics, often located in pharmacies or grocery stores, offer a convenient and affordable way to receive basic healthcare services.
• Large technology firms: Companies like Amazon and Apple are entering the healthcare space with their own telehealth offerings.
• Digital health startups: A growing number of startups are developing innovative telehealth solutions that are disrupting the traditional healthcare industry.
• Payers: Insurance companies are increasingly offering telehealth coverage, recognizing the benefits it can provide for both patients and payers.

The influx of new players into the telehealth space is driving innovation and competition, which is ultimately benefiting patients.

A Bright Future for Telehealth

With its numerous benefits and growing popularity, telehealth is poised for continued growth in 2024 and beyond. The scope and impact of telehealth will continue expanding, making healthcare more accessible, personalized, and efficient for everyone.

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Sources:

• Siwicki, B. (2023, September 19). Telehealth's Staying Power: 3 Trends Shaping the Future. HealthTech Magazine. https://healthcaretransformers.com/digital-health/current-trends/future-of-telehealth/