Second is affordability. With the pandemic leaving millions unemployed and potentially without benefits, cost-efficiency is going to continue to have a huge influence on whether individuals pursue care. A 2017 study by Health Affairs found the average cost of a telehealth visit is $79, where the average cost of an in-person visit is about $146. The affordability of telehealth can encourage even those without benefits to seek care for any concerns as a first step to determine if an in-person visit and any associated procedures may be necessary—especially considering more than 20 percent of Americans skip care due to cost. This creates a less intimidating way, both in terms of cost and comfort, for individuals to receive a professional medical opinion with no strings or ‘surprise bills’ attached.
Lastly is safety. Even after there’s a widely accessible coronavirus vaccine, safety will remain a top priority, especially for the immunocompromised and the elderly. While coronavirus may no longer be a risk at that time if they’ve received the vaccine, exposure to any sick person in a doctor’s office or hospital still poses a danger to these individuals. For the elderly who have difficulty moving around, being able to discuss medications, symptoms or any issues with medical equipment over the phone will provide a big relief. Having telehealth as a first line of defense for these individuals makes all the difference in their healthcare experience.
How to create a successful telehealth experience While offering telehealth services is a great start, it’s just as important to ensure your telehealth program is thorough and easy to use. You’ll want to eliminate any barriers that could compromise patient’s perception of receiving adequate care at home. A first step in this, is using a telehealth platform with a user-friendly interface, and that you have solid processes in place that eliminate the paint points of in-person visits. Also, it’s important to ensure providers are setting aside ample time for the telehealth appointment to avoid rushing and make sure patients feel well cared for.
To better complement telehealth delivery, it’s also encouraged that providers continue to enhance existing digital capabilities, such as online scheduling and electronic health records, to guarantee the patient’s health experience is as seamless as possible. In addition to improving patient experience, it will also offload administrative duties from providers and allow them to focus on front-line care. Digital efficiency is not only more cost-effective for providers, but it will also improve patient retention and engagement as we continue adapting to a virtual care model.
