Telehealth is the use of technology to provide virtual care between a patient and healthcare professional. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth was not widely used. According to the American Journal of Managed Care, telehealth claims rose 2,980% from September 2019 to September 2020.
If anything has been learned from the year 2020, it is that quality telehealth is in fact possible. It was always a big question as to whether virtual healthcare services would be as effective as in-office care. Telehealth has been shown to fit the needs of primary care as well as specialty services such as dermatology, therapy and family planning. According to the Doximity 2020 report on telehealth, here are the top five specialties utilizing virtual care:
- Endocrinology
- Rheumatology
- Gastroenterology
- Nephrology Cardiology
Most of these specialties are chronic illnesses, which often times require frequent visits. Patients who do not need to be in-office for a visit can use telehealth to still get the same level of care without having to leave their home.
Providing Value Through Telehealth
More than half of people who have participated in a telehealth visit said they would prefer virtual over in-office visits. That being said, the biggest issue posed for doctors and providers is, “How do we deliver the same, or better value through telehealth?” Here are just some ways that telehealth services provide value to providers and their patients:
- Fewer trips to the office – not only does this save money, it also saves time and stress. Having virtual visits means patients do not have to take off work or worry about childcare when health visits can be completed from home
- More frequent visits – because telehealth saves time, patients can schedule more frequent visits that do not require going into the office. This also allows providers to schedule more patients in a day, generating more revenue and reducing overhead costs
- Telehealth expands the availability of healthcare -This leads to improved quality and care which could increase patient recovery and satisfaction.
Company Spotlight – Creating Innovation for the Now
Dr. Gobezie, top shoulder surgeon and member of the American Shoulder and Elbow Surgeons Society, found a missing piece in the post-surgicalphysical therapy paradigm.: patients are often sent off with little to no communication outside of the office. His solution? PT Genie.
Using a consumer-driven model, a single app available on most smartphones and tablets seamlessly guides patients through a prescribed rehab program with: improved compliance, faster recovery time, reduced pain, greater satisfaction, often times less cost, optimal outcomes and greater overall value. This home exercise program (HEP) reduces stress and cost, while simultaneously driving new avenues of revenue to providers.
Their technology has transformed the physical therapy and digital healthcare world by delivering the future into the now. PT Genie has executed the innovation of technology that provides maximum value for both patient and provider. To learn more contact sales@ptgenie.com.
