Since the COVID-19 pandemic, telehealth consultations have become standard practice across the healthcare industry. Innovations in telehealth platforms and virtual care continue to enhance healthcare outcomes and access to medical services.
The United States Telehealth Analysis Report 2024 shows the U.S. telehealth market was valued at $ 21.11 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach $ 35.58 billion by 2030 with a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.95%. This growth is driven by supportive regulatory changes, advancements in technology, and a rising preference among patients and providers for virtual care options.
In this piece, we will explore the key telehealth trends shaping virtual care technology and solutions in 2024 and beyond.
Telehealth, or telemedicine, allows patients to receive medical advice, diagnosis, and treatment from the comfort of their homes. Dana Lichtenberg, assistant director for Congressional Affairs at the American Medical Association (AMA), highlights in an AMA update podcast that, "Telehealth has become part and parcel of the practice of medicine. Patients expect it, physicians expect it, and it’s had an overall positive impact on the healthcare system."
Current Telehealth Market – A Quick Overview
Healthcare providers are increasingly integrating telemedicine into their practices. According to the 2023 State of Telemedicine report by Doximity, nearly 84% of physicians use telemedicine weekly, with 40% incorporating it into their daily practice. Video consultations are the most common means of communication, followed by audio-only phone visits.
Among specialties, psychiatrists and endocrinologists reported the highest daily telemedicine usage, at 84% and 57%, respectively.
Before discussing the latest virtual healthcare trends, let's take a look at some of the most recent insights and happenings in the current telehealth landscape:
- Research suggests that females with chronic conditions are more likely to use telehealth than other populations
- The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) recently introduced a new toolkit to help states simplify telehealth implementation
- The Energy and Commerce Health Subcommittee has passed a virtually identical bill that authorized Medicare to do a virtual diabetes prevention program
- Bipartisan lawmakers have presented a bill called the Telehealth Modernization Act of 2024 to secure telehealth flexibilities
- A recent survey from KeyCare highlighted that 45% of patients prefer telehealth over in-office care for routine care
Telehealth and digital health technologies are set to revolutionize the healthcare landscape in 2024. Here are the top five trends shaping this space, offering healthcare providers opportunities to enhance patient care, boost operational efficiency, and maintain a competitive edge:
1. Integration Of Telehealth Services Within EHR Systems
The integration of telehealth services with electronic health records (EHR) is transforming healthcare delivery by creating a seamless flow of information. With these integrated systems, healthcare providers can quickly access a patient's complete medical history, ongoing treatments, and details from recent virtual consultations.
This integration has become a major trend as healthcare systems look for ways to enhance efficiency and patient outcomes across multiple specialties.
One example of the benefits of EHR-integrated telehealth services can be seen at Providence St. John's Health System in Santa Monica, California. By combining telehealth with EHRs, they have enhanced cancer care and demonstrated why telehealth is important for providing comprehensive and coordinated treatment options.
Another good example is Horizon Health Services, a behavioral health provider based in Buffalo, New York. The organization has expanded its telehealth services in Western New York through recent EHR integration, which has significantly improved its telehealth usage.
Some of the top EMR platforms for telemedicine include athenahealth, NextGen EHR Software, Tebra, and Epic EMR Software.
2. Rise Of Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM) And Wearable Devices
Remote patient monitoring (RPM) and healthcare wearables are rapidly gaining popularity in the telemedicine industry. These technologies allow healthcare providers to monitor various aspects of a patient's health remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. This not only helps manage acute and chronic conditions from the comfort of the patient's home but also cuts down on travel costs and reduces infection risks.
Modern devices like pulse oximeters, weight scales, blood glucose meters, and blood pressure monitors seamlessly pair with telehealth applications to enable the exchange of information through an internet connection. This integration allows for continuous and accurate monitoring of patient's health data.
There are many symptoms and conditions that can be tracked through remote patient monitoring, including:
- High blood pressure
- Diabetes
- Heart conditions
- Sleep apnea
- Weight loss or gain
- Asthma
Real-World Applications
The Veterans Affairs Department has started using wearable technology to measure physical health and performance, showcasing the practical application of these devices in real-world settings. Additionally, the CMS is investing in wearables to help clinicians better manage patient care.
RPM and wearables offer many benefits, but challenges like data privacy and reliable internet access need to be addressed to ensure they are effective and widely used.
3. Telehealth And Generative AI Integration
Generative Artificial intelligence (AI) is emerging as one of the most prominent trends in telemedicine. According to a recent survey by the Deloitte Center for Health Solutions, 75% of leading healthcare companies are already experimenting with Generative AI or attempting to scale it across the enterprise. This capability opens up numerous possibilities for enhancing patient care, optimizing healthcare workflows, and developing innovative telehealth solutions.
The integration of Generative AI in telehealth can revolutionize various aspects of patient care and healthcare management. Here are some key applications of AI in telehealth:
- Personalize treatment plans
- Generate health insights for individuals and populations
- Enhance remote patient monitoring and consulting
- Predict disease outbreaks and visualize medical data
Howard Wu, CEO of Whereby, highlighted the transformative impact of AI and telemedicine integration in an interview with Healthcare IT News:
"AI is really changing the game for real-time transcription in telehealth by making documentation easy and accurate. Imagine having every word in a conversation between doctors and patients captured instantly, without anyone needing to jot down notes manually. This means healthcare providers can pay full attention to their patients instead of worrying about taking notes."
4. Gamification In Telehealth
Gamification is another growing trend in telehealth. This integration enhances patient education and adherence with rewarding elements. Telehealth apps use quizzes, challenges, and rewards to educate patients about managing chronic conditions like diabetes and hypertension.
This approach can make healthcare more interactive and encourage patients to stay committed to their treatment plans. For example, apps might challenge patients to meet daily step goals, offering rewards for consistency and improvement. These elements can effectively increase patient participation and compliance.
Some applications of gamification in telehealth include:
- Medication adherence games
- Fitness challenges
- Educational quizzes
A good example is MySugr, an app designed for diabetes management. It turns blood sugar logging into a game, awards points for each entry, and sets daily challenges.
5. Expansion Of Telehealth In Behavioral And Mental Health
Specialty telehealth services in behavioral and mental health are gaining significant traction. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) strongly supports this trend for the treatment of serious mental illnesses. This approach has the potential to:
- Reduce stigma around mental health
- Enhance privacy and security
- Better integrate behavioral health care with primary care
Below are two examples of telehealth utilization trends in mental health:
Online Counseling Platforms
Online counseling platforms and mental health apps have simplified access to mental health services. These platforms enable individuals to access resources, receive counseling, and utilize self-help tools at any time and from any location. They cater to a wide range of needs, from managing anxiety and depression to providing support for stress management and general well-being.
Telepsychiatry And Virtual Therapy
Telepsychiatry and virtual therapy have become integral to addressing mental health needs. Through telehealth, patients can receive talk therapy, behavioral interventions, individual and group counseling, and participate in peer support groups. This provides a safe and private environment, making it easier for patients to discuss sensitive issues without the fear of stigma.
Telehealth is reaching a critical point this year as federal and state agencies reassess the future of virtual care. With several pandemic-era policies set to expire on December 31, 2024, this year is important for shaping the regulatory landscape of telehealth in the coming years. Some telehealth flexibilities extended by the Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, will be revised or discontinued, including:
- Medicare patients can receive telehealth services at home
- Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and Rural Health Clinics (RHCs) can provide non-behavioral telehealth services as distant sites
- All eligible Medicare providers can offer telehealth services
- Some non-behavioral telehealth services can be done using audio-only calls
- In-person visits within six months of an initial mental telehealth service are not needed
State And Commercial Coverage For Telehealth Services
Medicaid telehealth reimbursement policies vary by state. Many states have enhanced their Medicaid coverage to include a broader range of telehealth services, such as:
- Coverage for telehealth via telephone, video, and other electronic means
- Support for asynchronous telehealth services
- Reimbursement for telehealth consultations at the same rate as in-person visits
- Home-based telehealth services
In addition to Medicaid, many commercial health plans have also broadened their coverage for telehealth services. Providers should reach out to their insurance partners to confirm whether telehealth services are covered under their plans and encourage patients to verify their coverage before appointments.
For guidance on coding and billing for private insurance claims, refer to the ‘Billing for Providers - What Should I Know? guide.
With the rapid evolution of telehealth in healthcare, preparing your practice for current and upcoming trends in telehealth is essential to stay competitive and provide the best care for your patients. Technologies like AI, mHealth (mobile health), augmented reality, and telehealth internet-of-medical-things (IoMT) can help practices justify the cost of telehealth visit vs. in-person care and improve overall patient outcomes.
There are many advanced telehealth solutions available on the market, each with unique features and capabilities. For personalized guidance on finding the right telehealth solution for your healthcare facility, contact us at (661) 384-7070, and we will help you make the best decision.
