There’s no denying that the use of telehealth by hospitals and health systems has grown tremendously over the past 10 years. But the system that seeks to reduce healthcare costs for patients and take up less of doctors’ valuable time still has its flaws.
Not all practices are created equal
It was estimated that 7 million people would use telehealth services in 2018, with 65% of interactions being done on mobile phones. The telehealth industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, with 48 states requiring payer coverage. Despite availability and promotion of telehealth, an article from Forbes claimed only 15% of physicians worked in practices that actually used telehealth. Patient interaction on telehealth platforms was especially low at small practices, suggesting they don’t have the resources they need to effectively use the platforms.
Resistance from patients
Patients have concerns about the use of telehealth. Although one of the goals of telehealth is to save money, there are cases where patients can actually end up spending more by using telehealth in addition to—not instead of—face-to-face visits. The convenience of telehealth could also encourage patients to seek care for minor illnesses that they wouldn’t normally go to the doctor for. Another problem is misdiagnosis. Since telehealth visits are through a screen, misdiagnoses could increase. This could also end up increasing costs for the patients if they have to go back to see a doctor in person to confirm the diagnosis or treatment.
The need for telehealth training
One physician suggested that there should be a specialization for physicians who exclusively practice online, which he called a “medical virtualist.” Since treating a patient over a computer screen is different than seeing a patient in person, it makes sense that doctors should have special training for how to deliver the best care and make accurate diagnoses. We’ve talked a lot about the patient experience, and how important it is for doctors to build trusting relationships with their patients. Bedside manner can be a lot different over the phone or a webcam, so this is another facet doctors will have to address if they want patients to continue using their services.
Telehealth will undoubtably continue to grow and become more widely adopted as we live more of our lives in a digital world. Both physicians and patients need to be educated on the proper uses of these services to ensure time and money can actually be saved.
About the Author | Katie Sorce
Katie Sorce is a marketing coordinator for Smith & Jones. She contributes to research and strategy projects, manages social media and digital marketing accounts, and assists with content creation, account management, finance and operations. Smith & Jones is where health care brands come to get better. We help our clients create meaningful and desirable health care brands, align their internal teams, engage new and existing patients and drive downstream revenue.
Katie Sorce is a marketing coordinator for Smith & Jones. She contributes to research and strategy projects, manages social media and digital marketing accounts, and assists with content creation, account management, finance and operations. Smith & Jones is the healthcare marketing agency that specializes in branding and targeted service line marketing for hospitals, health systems and other care providers. Learn more at smithandjones.com.