The Telehealth Transformation: A Leap from Convenience to Necessity

Telehealth: A Solution to Healthcare Challenges

Telehealth has grown during the pandemic because it provides access to medical care without the need for face-to-face contact. This means it’s becoming a key part of the U.S. healthcare system. It’s helping to solve problems like not having enough health workers, increasing costs, and meeting the different needs of all kinds of patients.

The Problem: A Growing Demand and a Shrinking Workforce

Our healthcare system is under strain. More and more people need care, especially older people between 60 to 90 years old. At the same time, we don’t have enough doctors and nurses to look after these patients. This shortage affects primary and specialty care. Plus, healthcare costs are rising, and many health workers are retiring. By 2030, we could be short of 13 million nurses.

Telehealth: A Beacon of Hope

Telehealth could be the answer to these problems. It can help us provide the level of care we need to and overcome other challenges. For example, it can help us reach patients who need special care, like the LGBQT+ community. Telehealth is also helping patients form lasting relationships with doctors and giving them access to specialty care. Companies like Included Health are leading the way in this transformation.

Benefits:

1. Increased Access: Telehealth allows patients to access medical care from the comfort of their homes. This is particularly beneficial for those in underserved areas.

2. Convenience: Patients can schedule appointments at their convenience, reducing the need for travel and wait times.

3. Specialty Care: Telehealth provides access to specialty care providers, ensuring patients receive the best possible care for their specific conditions.

4. Cost-Effective: Telehealth can reduce healthcare costs by minimizing the need for in-person visits and hospital stays.

The Future of Telehealth

The goal of Telehealth is to provide comprehensive care, just like the family doctors of old. Platforms like Included Health are making this possible by integrating primary and specialty care, and behavioral health. The next step for Included Health is their Specialty Care Clinic. This will provide rapid access to medical specialists for common and costly health conditions.

Benefits:

1. Quick Access: With the Specialty Care Clinic, patients can access a doctor within seven days, ensuring timely treatment.

2. Comprehensive Care: The clinic will focus on cancer care, metabolic health, and women’s health, providing comprehensive support for these prevalent conditions.

3. Future-Proof: The new platform will serve as a blueprint for future expansion into other specialty care areas.

In the end, we might stop talking about telehealth as a separate thing. It will just be part of healthcare and medicine. Sometimes you’ll see your doctor in person, sometimes on a video screen, and sometimes in new care environments that we’re still inventing. The future of healthcare is bright, and telehealth is leading the way.