By Dr. Saarthak Bakshi
The COVID-19 pandemic rapidly accelerated adoption of telehealth services. Virtual doctor visits went from a novelty to an absolute necessity almost overnight. Now, telehealth is poised to permanently transform healthcare delivery and improve access for all.
Telehealth refers to remote healthcare services like appointments, consultations, and monitoring via phone, video chat, messaging, and other technologies. Telehealth allows patients to conveniently consult doctors online instead of going into clinics.
According to experts, consumer adoption of telehealth in 2020 was up 38 times from pre-pandemic levels. Telehealth is now seen as a preferred way to seek care, not just a fallback. Providers have also seen the benefits. One survey found 77% of physicians are likely to use telehealth going forward.
The growth of telehealth is driven by various factors:
Improved Technology and Internet Access – Smartphones, 5G networks, wearables, and other advances make virtual care seamless and effective for both patients and doctors.
Consumer Comfort – Patients, especially millennials, are completely at ease using technology and apps for healthcare services.
Access for Underserved Areas – Telehealth breaks down geographic barriers for patients in rural areas or with limited mobility.
Cost Savings – Telehealth services cost less than in-person visits for providers and patients. Reduced infrastructure needs also lower health system costs.
Convenience and Flexibility – Patients can fit virtual appointments into their schedule without taking time off work or travel. Providers can also scale up or down more easily.
While the pandemic kickstarted the telehealth revolution, it is technology advances that will take it to the next level. Artificial intelligence, remote monitoring devices, and extended reality are all coming to virtual care. AI-guided bots will handle simple cases, freeing doctors for complex cases. Remote health data from wearables will enable early diagnosis and prevention. Immersive VR/AR tools will improve remote collaboration, education and surgery.
Telehealth is projected to command a $560 billion global market by 2027. But it also faces challenges like reimbursement, licensing, privacy and regulatory uncertainty. Policymakers must provide clear ground rules and incentives to enable telehealth to permanently widen healthcare access.
The genie is out of the bottle – telehealth is here to stay. Driven by consumer demand and technology gains, virtual care promises to fundamentally reshape healthcare delivery for the better. The future is now for telehealth’s transformative impact on human health and wellbeing.
(The author is a Healthcare Entrepreneur and CEO of RiSAA IVF. Views expressed are personal and do not reflect the official position or policy of the FinancialExpress.com.)