Telehealth isn’t going away any time soon. The last two years have allowed health care leaders to reflect on the implementation of telehealth across medical fields and determine how to best incorporate virtual care. The latest equity and telehealth news round-up covers bridging the digital divide with audio-only monitoring, strengthening digital strategies beyond the pandemic health crisis, adopting a holistic approach for telehealth, virtual-first insurance offerings and what the future of telehealth may bring.
How organizations can strengthen digital health strategies beyond pandemic response
Telehealth became a popular tool in response to the pandemic, but many people have long awaited virtual care options. To ensure long-lasting digital health strategies that will best serve patients beyond the coronavirus health crisis, health care systems need to build durable digital health programs. Modernized infrastructure, smarter virtual care solutions and safe access to patient data are key elements for a digital health approach that’s made to support the future of hybrid health care. Read more about how organizations can strengthen their digital health strategies.
Audio-only telehealth visits could bridge the digital divide
A recent study found that remote patient monitoring programs that offer telephone-based, audio-only monitoring may help reduce barriers to care, particularly for Black and low-income individuals. Virtual care can help increase access to care but could also exacerbate the digital divide as not all individuals have access to internet and proper technology for application-based programs. Learn more about how an audio-only option for telehealth visits could help better bridge that gap.
Insurers offering a “Virtual-First” option
Several insurers are offering health plans that make telehealth the main way by which people receive primary care. Planned for those who are comfortable with online interactions with providers, insurers are finding that some of the patients enrolled in virtual-first care are more engaged in their care than they were previously. Read more about how insurers are offering virtual-first options.
Why telehealth needs a holistic approach
Many aspects of health care can be frustrating and time-consuming, and virtual care is no exception. As virtual care becomes more widely adopted, it must become easier for patients and physicians to navigate. For virtual care to be truly effective and efficient, tools in telehealth should be connected and accessible for patients and providers. Read more about how a holistic approach to telehealth can help alleviate pressures on the health care system.
The Value and Future of Telehealth
As health care leaders reflect on the accelerated adoption of telehealth into patient care, insights from physicians show how to best incorporate virtual care into their practices. While challenges remain, telehealth continues to improve access to care, and physicians want virtual care to continue. Learn more about telehealth’s value and future in patient care.
While there continue to be challenges surrounding access to care and infrastructure, telehealth is allowing patients to take ownership over their health. As organizations evaluate current digital strategies, leaders can determine what the future of telehealth will bring. Learn more about Virginia Telehealth Networks’ effort toward improving equity in telehealth. Become a member of VTN to gain access to webinars, supplementary materials, and other members-only content.