Even with new variants and recent spikes, medical professionals predict that COVID-19 will one day become an endemic, a more manageable virus with greater population immunity, like the flu or a cold. That is exciting news, especially for those in healthcare.
It is no secret that telemedicine has played a considerable role in healthcare during the pandemic, with some estimating that adoption grew more than 6,000 percent. Not only did consumers discover that they could receive safe, quality medical access, but hospitals realized that, with the right partner, telehealth was seamless to implement, opened up extra revenue streams, and modernized care. While perhaps born out of necessity, both consumers' and providers' willingness to use telemedicine has no doubt significantly increased. However, now that an endemic light is perhaps at the end of the tunnel, what does this mean for the future of telemedicine?
Patients and Doctors Still Want Convenience
According to recent research, 88 percent of consumers want to continue to use telehealth for non-urgent visits in the future (up from the 20 percent of patients that used telehealth before COVID). For physicians, 58 percent of those surveyed view telehealth more favorably now than they did in 2019, and by spring of 2021, 84 percent of the doctors were offering virtual visits.
Both patients and providers are now acclimated to living in a more digitally savvy world. Doctors have realized that telemedicine's convenience and ease are often preferred over traditional and time-consuming in-person visits, and consumers now know that they have more options available when it comes to their care.
Hospitals Will Continue to Add Additional Revenue Streams
Medical facilities have had a tough time. Reports state that hospitals lost $54 billion in net income throughout 2021. Crowded waiting rooms, physician fatigue, new regulations, fewer outpatient procedures, and a lack of providers have strained hospital resources and budgets. Moving forward, healthcare facilities will be looking for new ways to increase revenue, with telemedicine being at the forefront of the solution. By allowing hospitals and providers to see more patients faster, while still delivering quality care, hospitals can begin to increase profitability and maximize efficiency.
It is estimated that $106 billion of healthcare spending in the United States could possibly be virtualized by 2023. As a result, financing in telemedicine will continue to increase, surpassing the $5 billion investments made in 2021. For those healthcare facilities that have not invested in telemedicine, expanding these services and providing patients with access to remote care options should be a top priority.
Hybrid Virtual and In-Person Care Models Will Prevail
There are clearly going to be times when a patient needs to be seen in person. Still, with the change in perception and technology, many will adopt a hybrid healthcare model where some visits are done virtually, and other aspects are handled face-to-face. In fact, many patients have stated that they prefer to have parts of their annual physical done remotely.
For those who visit doctors quite frequently, such as those with chronic conditions, adopting a hybrid model and fusing digital and physical experiences together is not only convenient but more affordable, often resulting in better outcomes because the patient has more access to care.
Mental Healthcare Will Improve Thanks to Telemedicine
Provider shortages throughout much of the country have left a gap in behavioral health coverage. According to the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality, one in eight emergency room visits involves a mental health and/or substance use condition. However, with 56 percent of counties in the United States operating without a psychiatrist, especially in rural areas, many medical facilities have turned to telemedicine to cover this demand.
As the pandemic evolves, telemedicine is predicted to continue to provide care for those in need of psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and other behavioral health services in both outpatient clinics and hospitals. The same convenient, readily accessible mental health services available during the pandemic through telemedicine will be just as imperative after Covid becomes endemic, as the impact of the last two years will be around for some time. Telemedicine is a vital lifeline to improve access to mental health for more people, no matter their location, leading to better outcomes.
A Robust Option for Care, Today and Tomorrow
Sometimes the greatest challenges also unveil the greatest opportunities. Such is the case with telemedicine. As a tool that has provided quality care to millions and has proven its worth time and time again, telemedicine is here to stay. To learn more about how a telemedicine program can elevate your care, visit www.virtualmedstaff.com.
The editorial staff had no role in this post's creation.