The past year could very well be the “new normal” set for healthcare – a year that includes more telehealth, remote monitoring and other virtual care. ever. Technology has become culturally accepted as an integral part of the patient experience as telemedicine becomes ubiquitous.
As healthcare providers head towards 2023, it can be critical to stay on top of what’s next in telehealth and strategically integrate the technology needed to stay there. for future success.
Trapollo, a Cox Business company specializing in RPM and telemedicine technologies and services, has a wealth of insights into why healthcare delivery organizations should prioritize services and telemedicine innovation to meet patients where they are and stay ahead of the competition.
We interviewed George Valentine, vice president of growth and new development, at Trapollo, to discuss three trends that he thinks will become very important in 2023.
Q. You have identified three trends in telemedicine for 2023. The first is that virtual care has a staying power, related to its ability to maintain the momentum it has built. during the ongoing pandemic. Please explain.
ONE. As a result of the pandemic, telehealth has gone from underutilized to becoming the preferred way for many patients to get care seemingly overnight. The convenience and comfort that telehealth offers to manage routine, non-emergency care for mental health, chronic illness, or pain is too good to return to in-person appointments.
Furthermore, telehealth services are becoming more accessible, which is driving more adoption. For example, the US government passed the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2022, allowing Medicare patients to access healthcare services remotely, including audio-only services, up to five years ago. 2024.
The bill expands the ability for beneficiaries to receive telehealth services of any kind and in any location, including their homes. It also improves flexibility, collaboration, and the overall appointment experience for patients and medical professionals alike, demonstrating the importance of this innovation in the healthcare industry.
But telehealth is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to digital transformation in healthcare. The entire patient experience is becoming more digital. For example, hospitals are implementing ways to digitally empower patients through technology such as pathfinding, personalized alerts, and providing patients with the ability to schedule appointments, access records medical, patient education, doctor directory, etc online through easy-to-use apps.
Q. The second trend you see is telehealth which will be the key to market positioning. What exactly do you mean by this?
ONE. With the adoption of telehealth, the competition is increasing. Before the telehealth boom, health systems were primarily battling local competitors for market share. Now, in the age of online medicine and distributed care, every system is in direct competition with retail clinics, big tech companies, digital health startups and payers. .
True, in other aspects of life, patients want the easy, on-demand connected digital care to deliver. And it’s not simply about virtual appointments, many patients want better visibility and online access to their entire health history. If you don’t offer this to your patients, they will likely find a provider who can.
Q. And the third trend in 2023 that you suggest is that telemedicine is more than just a health check. The industry has seen a lot of activity in the majors. What do you see?
ONE. Telehealth is expanding in ways that patients and healthcare professionals have never considered before. From remote patient monitoring before and after chemotherapy to diabetes management and Alzheimer’s support, telehealth is making an impact. It is also a huge asset to patients and service providers in rural areas, where there are often few medical staff.
While the need to see a doctor in the office remains essential for some conditions and emergencies, telehealth continues to bridge the gap between patient and provider, creating a A new way to experience better, more personalized care from any location.
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