Oct 17, 2024
Before COVID-19, telehealth was a convenience, mainly used in rural areas where healthcare access was limited. Then came the pandemic, and remote care became essential almost overnight. What was once optional has become a permanent fixture of healthcare, especially for mental health services.
Today, telehealth is everywhere. Studies by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce show that 72% of large companies have expanded their offerings to include it. From regular checkups to mental health support and even dental care, telehealth has become a routine part of life. Over 43% of people aged 65 and older now use it regularly. Insurance and Medicare providers have adapted to this new reality, and technology innovations have made it even more accessible and personalized.
Key 20024 Telehealth Trends
- AI-Powered Diagnostics: Artificial intelligence is revolutionizing the diagnostic process. Specific AI tools can analyze symptoms and provide doctors with insights before appointments, making diagnoses faster and more efficient. These tools work alongside healthcare providers to enhance patient care, not replace it.
- Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): RPM systems allow doctors to track patients’ conditions remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits. Certain devices monitor vital signs and send real-time data to healthcare providers. This technology is especially useful for managing chronic conditions, improving patient outcomes, and reducing hospital readmissions.
- Virtual Mental Health Services: The demand for mental health care has soared, and telehealth is meeting the need. Many health plans offer this option to employees as part of an EAP program and/or mental health benefits. Particular platforms offer virtual therapy sessions and on-demand support, making mental health services more accessible. Patients can now access therapy from the comfort of home without long wait times.
- Personalized Virtual Wellness Programs: Virtual wellness programs are increasingly tailored to individuals’ needs. Particular apps can provide AI-driven health programs combined with real-time coaching. Whether managing a chronic condition or focusing on wellness goals, these programs offer personalized support.
What Telehealth Means for Health Insurance Brokers
For health insurance brokers, staying informed about telehealth trends can be a game changer. Here’s why:
- Convenience: Telehealth allows employees to access healthcare from anywhere, improving health management and reducing absenteeism.
- Mental Health Access: Telepsychiatry offers easy access to mental health care — a growing need among employees, improving overall well-being and performance.
- Cost Savings: Virtual visits can reduce the need for expensive ER trips or hospital stays, helping businesses save on healthcare costs.
By staying on top of telehealth innovations, brokers can provide smarter, more relevant health plans that benefit their clients’ employees and bottom lines.
Let’s dive into the top trends shaping telehealth in 2024.
AI Leads the Way, Among Other Innovations
Michael Gorton, CEO of Teledoc and a telemedicine pioneer, sees artificial intelligence (AI) driving the future of telehealth. AI is helping doctors diagnose faster and more accurately, while improving patient care overall. Here are some key trends Gorton highlights:
- Telepsychiatry: The pandemic has accelerated the rise of telepsychiatry, and one-on-one counseling, addressing widespread mental health issues like anxiety and depression. Telemedicine makes mental health support expandable and accessible. Patients show acceptance and improvement in their mental health with this type of high-touch, remote care.
- AI and Virtual Assistants: AI-driven virtual assistants provide real-time support and streamline diagnostics, freeing up doctors to focus more on patient care.
- Precision Medicine: Healthcare is shifting toward treatments tailored to individuals based on their genetics, lifestyle, and environment. Precision medicine promises more effective, personalized care.
- Wearables and IoT: Wearable devices and Internet of Things (IoT) tools are making it easier to monitor patients’ health continuously, crucial for managing chronic conditions.
- Digital Health Startups: Startups are pushing telehealth forward with new, innovative solutions, ensuring that virtual healthcare keeps evolving.
Embrace the Telehealth Revolution
Telehealth has shifted from an emergency solution during a crisis to a permanent part of healthcare. AI-powered diagnostics, remote monitoring, virtual mental health services, and personalized wellness programs are reshaping healthcare, making it more efficient and accessible. Health insurance brokers can capitalize on these trends to offer innovative, relevant solutions to their clients.
Telehealth is here to stay, leading the way toward a more connected, efficient healthcare future.
Your Amwins Connect Sales Representative is available to collaborate on innovative insurance solutions like telehealth for your clients. Contact us today!
