Digital Salutem
29 September 2021

Digital health promises lower costs and greater access to healthcare services

By Miguel Sanchiz
Digital health promises lower costs and greater access to healthcare services

Digital health involves doctors examining patients over the phone via automated touch-tone technology. It also involves physical exams or advice delivered through high definition video technology or apps that allow workers to talk to doctors via web cameras.

A new generation of technology, known as digital health, has been a boon for doctors who find it a welcome alternative to running a full office. Digital Health can range from simple phone-based consultation to more advanced methods such as using videoconferencing technology for face-to-face meetings with physicians or therapists. It also reduces the number of patients who might otherwise delay or avoid necessary medical treatments because they don’t want to leave home. Digital health may even allow people with limited mobility to get more regular care than would otherwise be possible.

While digital health can be a convenient way for employees to seek care from the convenience of their home, it also has a downside. Many health insurers will not reimburse employees or companies that purchase healthtech equipment or services unless they receive a signed certification from a doctor that says the service is medically necessary. Some employers can rely on their group health insurance contracts, which address digital health specifically.

Benefits of digital health

Virtual healthcare services include video consultations via digital health networks or at home, helping patients to avoid unnecessary healthcare provider visits. Increasingly, virtual care has moved beyond the consumer space into the realm of employees using ehealth to consult with physicians on a wide range of conditions including chronic diseases. Digital health promises lower costs, greater access to healthcare services and convenience for patients.

Start with a doctor’s visit over the phone, chat, or video conference. Then, continue care through secure messaging with your doctor. No need to switch doctors, no need to travel for office visits.

With virtual care, patients can approach doctors, nurse practitioners and physicians’ assistants at community health centers, retail clinics or hospitals for medical services via their mobile or home computer or tablet. The companies that provide this service use secure technology to connect the patient with the providers in real time.

Both insurers and healthcare providers are now more actively embracing the patient experience that digital health provides, including real-time video visits, according to CEOs of these companies. The findings are based on research conducted by the Advisory Board, a national research firm that interviewed 15 senior executives in partnership with Rock Health, which tracks trends in healthcare innovation.

Digital health– a new generation of technology that allows patients to receive medical care remotely – has been a boon for doctors, particularly primary care providers who find it a welcome alternative to running a full office. Digital health can range from simple phone-based consultation to more advanced methods such as using videoconferencing technology for face-to-face meetings with physicians or therapists.

We agree that a successful digital healthcare transformation is challenging, but with Digital Salutem everything is possible. Contact us for more relevant details. To find out more about how we can help you with your Digital Healthcare Transformation, Healthcare organizational growth, or Healthcare brand positioning, please get in touch via phone +44 (0) 203 3620421 or via e-mail: info@digitalsalutem.com

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