Telemedicine and mHealth; Driving Cost Savings and Improving the Quality of Healthcare around the World
Telemedicine and mHealth; Driving Cost Savings and Improving the Quality of Healthcare around the World
By, Nicole Martinez, Psy.D., LCPC
When it comes to the treatment and interactions with patients, healthcare professionals are constantly looking for ways to provide the most effective and efficient care for their patients. Although there have been significant advancements in the field of healthcare over the past decade, the availability and affordability of health-related services remains a growing issue. This is especially in the field of mental health care, where services are covered at a much lower rate than they are for physiological care. Many policies provide no mental health coverage at all. This leaves a huge need to bridge this gap. Many patients who desperately need services, are not able to access or afford them through traditional means.
However, recent developments in telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth), have encouraged positive and progressive change in the way health providers and their patients approach medical services. These services enable certified professionals to evaluate and diagnosis numerous conditions from a computer screen or mobile device. Services can be accessed from any location equipped with internet connectivity. Individuals can now utilize applications and tools which help them prevent disease through increased fitness and wellness tools, plans, and techniques. They can now access health resources not previously available to them due to barriers related to finances and proximity. Many patients can often have an assessment or session for about the price of a standard co-pay, and they can do so without having to leave their home or office.
In the field of psychology, this has been a game changer both for the treatment of patients and for the wellbeing of both patient and mental health providers. Patients have more flexibility, because location and schedule are no longer a barrier, and they have more choice of providers. The patient is no longer limited by having to choose a limited number of providers in network, so they can truly make a decision based on rightness of fit. Mental health professionals are able to see more patients with less overhead expenses, and have a more flexible schedule since they are no longer tied to an office. This also enables professionals who have to work remotely for various reasons, to continue to do the work they love. Major players like BetterHelp, Teledoc, and American Well, provide mobile-based platforms for professionals to connect with those seeking assistance with mental health concerns. There are currently over 200 Telehealth networks, and that number keeps growing. These services enables therapists to turn the world into their waiting room.
Recent studies indicate that telemedicine and mhealth platforms like those previously mentioned, will in some cases be the prefered form of doctor-patient interactions. In a recent AHA report, 76 percent of patients prioritized access to care over the need for human interaction with their provider. Telehealth tech firm American Well, found that 7 percent of 17 million Americans stated they would change primary care doctors in favor of the availability of telehealth visits. American businesses could even begin feeling the effects of the telemedicine movement. Towers Watson estimates switching from in-person to telehealth office visits, when appropriate, could save U. S. companies up to $6 billion a year. It also has the added benefit of decreased time off work, and missed time due to face to face appointments.
It would be remiss to fail to mention that telehealth and mhealth services are not appropriate for everyone. Telehealth can be an ideal choice for preventative medicine, and for the treatment of chronic conditions. Patients requiring specialist care, or diagnosis for an unknown and serious new condition would likely want to see a professional in person. Clinicians should know their areas of expertise and limitations, and should refer patients as appropriate. This type of service would also not be an appropriate or preferred option for patients who are self-harming, are actively suicidal or homicidal, are minors, are in an urgent or crisis situation, have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, have been told they need to be under psychiatric supervision, are court ordered to attend therapy services, or are attending services for legal matters. Many court services will not approve this type of service at this time.
Looking forward we can start to see a very different medical care landscape then what we have today. As more hospitals and medical facilities begin providing diverse telemedicine options, appointments will become easier to attend, leaving little need to miss work or other engagements patients might have. Healthcare will become more efficient and readily available to millions of people previously disenfranchised by steep costs, limited access and the stigmas associated with seeking treatment. Via telemedicine we have the ability to knock down nearly all barriers to care that have previously left so many to struggle on their own.
By, Nicole Martinez, Psy.D., LCPC
When it comes to the treatment and interactions with patients, healthcare professionals are constantly looking for ways to provide the most effective and efficient care for their patients. Although there have been significant advancements in the field of healthcare over the past decade, the availability and affordability of health-related services remains a growing issue. This is especially in the field of mental health care, where services are covered at a much lower rate than they are for physiological care. Many policies provide no mental health coverage at all. This leaves a huge need to bridge this gap. Many patients who desperately need services, are not able to access or afford them through traditional means.
However, recent developments in telemedicine and mobile health (mHealth), have encouraged positive and progressive change in the way health providers and their patients approach medical services. These services enable certified professionals to evaluate and diagnosis numerous conditions from a computer screen or mobile device. Services can be accessed from any location equipped with internet connectivity. Individuals can now utilize applications and tools which help them prevent disease through increased fitness and wellness tools, plans, and techniques. They can now access health resources not previously available to them due to barriers related to finances and proximity. Many patients can often have an assessment or session for about the price of a standard co-pay, and they can do so without having to leave their home or office.
In the field of psychology, this has been a game changer both for the treatment of patients and for the wellbeing of both patient and mental health providers. Patients have more flexibility, because location and schedule are no longer a barrier, and they have more choice of providers. The patient is no longer limited by having to choose a limited number of providers in network, so they can truly make a decision based on rightness of fit. Mental health professionals are able to see more patients with less overhead expenses, and have a more flexible schedule since they are no longer tied to an office. This also enables professionals who have to work remotely for various reasons, to continue to do the work they love. Major players like BetterHelp, Teledoc, and American Well, provide mobile-based platforms for professionals to connect with those seeking assistance with mental health concerns. There are currently over 200 Telehealth networks, and that number keeps growing. These services enables therapists to turn the world into their waiting room.
Recent studies indicate that telemedicine and mhealth platforms like those previously mentioned, will in some cases be the prefered form of doctor-patient interactions. In a recent AHA report, 76 percent of patients prioritized access to care over the need for human interaction with their provider. Telehealth tech firm American Well, found that 7 percent of 17 million Americans stated they would change primary care doctors in favor of the availability of telehealth visits. American businesses could even begin feeling the effects of the telemedicine movement. Towers Watson estimates switching from in-person to telehealth office visits, when appropriate, could save U. S. companies up to $6 billion a year. It also has the added benefit of decreased time off work, and missed time due to face to face appointments.
It would be remiss to fail to mention that telehealth and mhealth services are not appropriate for everyone. Telehealth can be an ideal choice for preventative medicine, and for the treatment of chronic conditions. Patients requiring specialist care, or diagnosis for an unknown and serious new condition would likely want to see a professional in person. Clinicians should know their areas of expertise and limitations, and should refer patients as appropriate. This type of service would also not be an appropriate or preferred option for patients who are self-harming, are actively suicidal or homicidal, are minors, are in an urgent or crisis situation, have been diagnosed with a serious mental illness, have been told they need to be under psychiatric supervision, are court ordered to attend therapy services, or are attending services for legal matters. Many court services will not approve this type of service at this time.
Looking forward we can start to see a very different medical care landscape then what we have today. As more hospitals and medical facilities begin providing diverse telemedicine options, appointments will become easier to attend, leaving little need to miss work or other engagements patients might have. Healthcare will become more efficient and readily available to millions of people previously disenfranchised by steep costs, limited access and the stigmas associated with seeking treatment. Via telemedicine we have the ability to knock down nearly all barriers to care that have previously left so many to struggle on their own.
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