5 Reasons Why Telemedicine Is Here To Stay Post Covid-19

Covid-19 has catapulted the healthcare industry into a new world of telemedicine that has become the best option for treating a broad range of conditions, long after the pandemic subsidies. People have realized its significance in the wake of the pandemic, leading to the massive acceleration in the use of telehealth services across the globe.

Before the pandemic, the total annual revenue of U.S. telehealth stakeholders was estimated at $3 billion. Now it is estimated to cross the $250 billion mark with the rapid adoption of telehealth and its expansion beyond virtual urgent care. The clinicians have also improved their service offering to include telehealth, expanding their patient outreach three times the number of patients’ pre-telehealth adoption.

Future of Telemedicine Post-Pandemic:

Telemedicine healthcare capitalized on its ability to engage and mobilize patients while increasing their access to care. From office visits to remote patient monitoring, telemedicine is encouraging care models to substitute office visits with virtual ones. Today, doctors are depending on telemedicine practices to deliver care to their patients.

The Covid-19 pandemic is increasing the long-anticipated surge in telemedicine services across the globe. Consulting doctors over the phone, video, or text has become the new norm for various non-emergency medical needs while the pandemic situation is creating people’s interest in digital tools to test and monitor at-risk patients safely in their homes. The utilization of remote diagnostic tools is expected to accelerate, particularly in remote and underserved communities. Emerging technologies such as portable cardiac and lung monitors will be able to record patient data in real-time, allow clinicians to treat more patients than before.

1. Patient Demand:

As the option of telehealth is convenient and fast, patients prefer virtual visits with their doctors. In a study carried out by the American Journal of Managed Care, telemedicine showed patients’ preferred approach when compared to a traditional office visit. As clinicians prefer to adopt ways that improve patient experience, telemedicine is playing a critical part in this regard that is according to the growing trend and patients’ preference.

2.  Convenience and Flexibility:

Telemedicine is convenient for doctors and patients alike. It allows clinicians to effectively manage their patients’ schedule since they can attend the appointment from home. Moreover, telehealth allows physicians to maximize their time by treating more patients without compromising on the quality of care.

3. Technological Advancements:

Technological advancement in the healthcare industry has become capable to link healthcare providers with digital stethoscopes and otoscopes. These technologies enable monitoring various conditions remotely ranging from chronic diseases to mental health with app-based solutions that connect patients to their providers.

4.  Reimbursement:

The billing process for telemedicine remains unclear for some providers. With the increase in demand for virtual care, chances are that insurance companies will consider ways for telemedicine appointment reimbursement. Healthcare centers are more likely to start permanent telemedicine services for patients who prefer virtual treatment.

5.  Health Equity:

Access to healthcare is not equally distributed all over the United States. Before the pandemic, patients using telemedicine technology need to had access to a high-speed internet connection. The Covid-19 pandemic has driven innovation in telemedicine platforms and patients can now get healthcare services with only a smartphone.

The pace of innovation in the telehealth industry is accelerating and the pandemic is boosting this trend. Digital health companies continue to put their efforts towards achieving their goal of virtual care.

With innovative features and increased functionality, these options will remain for patients long after the pandemic subsides. Covid-19 is challenging the industry to find new ways of improving care and saving lives. The boost in telemedicine may help shape global economic recovery in a post-pandemic world. With the potential to provide safe, effective, and cost-efficient health care to remote, telemedicine can help under-served populations.