This article by Robert Pearl and Brian Wayling in the Harvard Business Review argues that telehealth was not just a crutch we used to limp our way through the pandemic. Nor is it just a cheaper less effective version of a face to face meeting.
Telehealth peaked in use as a result of the pandemic, as our limited mobility clashed with the need to see docs, and patients turned to the ease of in-home access.
Now that the pandemic is passing though, this new technology to clinical access has the potential to dramatically improve how we provide healthcare.
Telehealth Triage:
Instead of having to go to the emergency room or even just your doctor, a telehealth call still gets you face to face with them, but without having to take 2 hours of your life to get there, wait in lines, and all the rest. With a quick call, you can know whether you even need to come in.
This form of interaction also allows docs to quickly touch base with someone with chronic disease to see if they’re managing it okay, without them having to schedule in an entire physician appointment.
Technology Helps Level The Playing Field
Health equity must be improved, and an increased use of technology can help. Everyone has a cell phone, which means that everyone is exactly the same “distance” from care. Plus, if someone needs a referral to a specialist, the PCP can consult the specialist via telehealth often immediately. This confirms the need for the added visit, or confirms that it isn’t needed. Either way, the immediacy of that connection improves the efficiency, outcomes, and costs of the system.
Of course, technology is not a panacea, simply a tool for us to use for our best possible outcomes. But by identifying the best use-cases, we can improve care, improve efficiency, and help bring down costs at the same time.
