4 Reasons Why Telehealth is Here to Stay
Telehealth is no longer an alternative option for accessing healthcare but a necessary means for quality and convenient care. As COVID-19 sent us all on lockdown, the healthcare system found itself struggling amidst the pressures of fighting this unseen enemy. Hospitals and care facilities became the first line of defense and practitioners sought to create room for COVID-19 patients. The hospital and clinics became an unsafe place for most of us.
COVID-19 has presented new challenges for healthcare. How were we going to offer accessible care to other chronically ill patients? What of those who are mentally ill or struggle with substance abuse and addiction? Statistics show that the number of visits to ambulatory practices declined by 60%. The number of physical visits to care facilities is one-third lower than it was before the pandemic.
The government responded to these new challenges by relaxing HIPAA restrictions so that physicians could practice telemedicine. Medicare was also expanded to encompass costs for telehealth.
These changes are the beginnings of signs that telehealth is here to stay. Below are four more reasons for the same.
Growing Demand for Virtual Solutions
Technology has made so many things possible. We have virtual concerts and remote working solutions. So why should healthcare be left behind? Telehealth leverages technology to offer convenience and accessibility of care. This solution offers people the same quality, patient-centered care without leaving their homes. Telehealth is cost-effective as it eliminates transportation costs. It also eliminates waiting times and comes with tools that help remind the patient that they have an online doctor’s appointment.
Demand for care is on the rise, and health practitioners are under pressure to deliver quality care for all their patients. Telehealth is a solution to the growing demand as patients are interested in telemedicine and find it beneficial.
Financial Opportunities for Reimbursements
Prior to COVID, physicians found it difficult to get paid for telemedicine. However, the changes in Medicare offer many incentives as physicians get paid in the same manner as when you visit a physical office. This change is good for both physicians and patients as telehealth services provide physicians with an opportunity to build a digital health clinic. Here they can offer their patients value-based care without worrying about payment. Another notable benefit is insurance providers who are offering a waiver for telehealth costs and other costs resulting from COVID-19. Although there are still barriers with payments, it is getting better for physicians.
Telehealth Promotes Health Equity
Prior to the pandemic, the country grappled with inaccessible care, particularly for vulnerable populations and people living in remote areas. There was a persistent issue of some people commuting for hours to get to the nearest clinic. But with telehealth, we can dare to hope for a future where health equity is possible. We can hope because internet penetration is rapidly expanding and a growing number of people are using smartphones. Yes, there are disparities in broadband internet access in terms of education, income, age, and race. However, technological innovations are continuously breaking down these barriers through telehealth.
Telehealth Technologies are Getting Better
Presently, telehealth has allowed thousands of patients to access extensive services that they used to get in a physical facility. These services include virtual consultations, surveillance, and monitoring, after-care follow-up, and self-management information. HHS has been at the forefront in recommending health practitioners to leverage telehealth to conduct routine health care, dermatology (skincare), eye exams, mental health counseling, nutrition, medication consultation, and other speciality medical services.
Emerging technologies such as remote diagnostic tools, portable cardiac and lung monitors prove that telehealth technologies are getting better. These advancements prove that telehealth is here to stay even after COVID-19.
JOY MD is a digital health platform that allows patients to get connected with the best telehealth providers for primary care and chronic illnesses in the US.
