The COVID-19 pandemic was anything but positive by any conceivable metric. Yet, out of the midst of the disruption and inconvenience emerged at least one silver lining. As the world scrambled and sheltered, a remarkable increase in the use of technology to provide essential healthcare services was taking place.
In other words, out of the chaos of COVID arose the champion of telehealth.
This unprecedented shift from traditional to digital healthcare services not only showed the resilience of the healthcare industry, but it also demonstrated the power of technology and innovation. As the old saying goes, necessity is the mother of invention, and so it was with the pandemic. COVID became a catalyst that compelled healthcare providers to find more ways to take advantage of technology, and as a result, telehealth solutions have become more common and more efficient. Virtual consultations, remote monitoring tools, and more have all emerged to meet patients’ needs quickly, efficiently, and cost-effectively—right from their own living rooms.
The Rise of Telehealth
There aren’t enough hospital beds. The sick can’t get into the ER. Surgeries are being postponed because the hospitals are simply too overcrowded.
These were some of the concerns—and some of the headlines—that were common during the height of the pandemic.
While some telehealth options have been available for some time, the world was still operating on the default M.O. that if you want to see a doctor, you need to go into the doctor’s office. But when the healthcare industry turned to technology out of necessity, the result was a resounding success. Doctors adapted to the virtual landscape, maintaining connections even when in-person visits were not feasible, and patients discovered the convenience and safety of accessing medical care from the comfort of their homes.
This shift marked a turning point, establishing telehealth as a reliable and effective means of providing and receiving medical care.
Remote Therapeutic Monitoring (RTM): A New Way of Monitoring Patient Health
One of the most important developments of telehealth is the concept of remote therapeutic monitoring (RTM). RTM involves the use of patient-reported data to monitor various aspects of your health and how your body responds to treatments. Through RTM, doctors can track pain levels, gauge your response to therapies, evaluate your physical activity, and more. In fact, they can even monitor how consistently you’re following your medication regimen, providing the help and accountability you need to stay on track.
When RTM is done well and everyone is doing their part, it can lead to enhanced patient-physician engagement, improved healthcare quality, better treatment outcomes, and it can even save money for both you and your healthcare provider.
How Telehealth and RTM Help You
Here are some of the many ways these technologies help make sure that you always have access to the care you need whenever you need it.
Accessible Care, Anywhere, Anytime: Imagine being able to receive high-quality healthcare without leaving your home, even when you’re in a rural area 60 minutes from a hospital, or even if you have mobility challenges. Telehealth and RTM make this a reality by bridging the gaps created by limitations.
Personalized Education: Forget the days of stacks of paperwork and in-person meetings with your doctor. RTM transforms patient education into an interactive digital experience. Telehealth technologies allow you to access educational resources prescribed by your provider anytime, learn at your own pace, and revisit the info as many times as you need. This highly-personalized approach helps you better understand your care plan and empowers you to take control of your health.
Cost-Effective Care: Especially for those with limited resources, telehealth and RTM can alleviate financial burdens. By minimizing the need for frequent in-person visits, you save on things like transportation costs, time off work, and childcare expenses. A modest copay for RTM services can lead to substantial savings over time.
Better Treatment Outcomes: RTM empowers you to actively participate in your care journey. By staying connected to your healthcare provider and having access to resources, you’re more likely to adhere to treatment plans and make informed decisions. This engagement translates to improved health outcomes and a better quality of life.
A Brighter, Healthier Healthcare Future
The integration of telehealth and RTM isn’t just a temporary solution or a passing trend, but a glimpse into the future of healthcare. With medical professionals increasingly recognizing the potential of these technologies, and with patients experiencing more convenient and cost-effective care, we have encouraging reasons to expect more access to efficient, personalized care in the coming years.
In other words, the world of healthcare is changing, and it’s changing for the better.
But that’s nothing new for us. We’ve seen plenty of these kinds of changes before. In fact, we were there to help usher some of them in. Since 1988, we’ve been standing on the cutting edge of each new development in the healthcare and health insurance industries. Every step of the way, our goal has been to make sure that people just like you are getting the most out of your health insurance dollars.
Ready to find out how telehealth can help create a holistic approach to healthcare for you? Start by getting an insurance quote today. We’re always available and we’re delighted to help.
