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Nov 5, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

Providence's Covenant Medical Center in Lubbock, Texas, has effectively implemented the Co-Caring virtual nursing model, initially launched as a pilot in 2021 to address rising patient volumes and nursing burnout. Over three years, the model has improved job satisfaction among nurses and halved turnover rates. By allowing virtual nurses to assist in administrative tasks, the program has supported medical-surgical units and is set to expand to oncology, emergency, and postpartum departments. So far, ten out of Providence's 51 hospitals have adopted the model, with more expected by early 2025. Additionally, the initiative has led to better patient outcomes, including reduced hospital stays.

Oct 23, 2024·WAVY

Sentara Health has partnered with Hampton City Schools to launch telehealth clinics in schools, offering on-site acute primary care for students and staff. The clinics, staffed by a licensed practical nurse and a virtual advanced practice provider, enable remote physical exams using advanced technology. This initiative is intended to improve access to healthcare, reduce student absenteeism, and lessen the burden on parents needing to take time off work for medical appointments. Currently operational at George P. Phenix PreK-8 School, there are plans for future expansion to more schools in the area.

Oct 13, 2024·HealthLeaders

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is improving virtual care for veterans through its successful tele-emergency care platform, which offers on-demand access to healthcare providers via a smartphone app, potentially reducing emergency room visits. In contrast, the Veterans Health Administration's ATLAS program, aimed at providing telehealth services at locations like VFW posts and Walmart, has struggled with low utilization, raising questions about its effectiveness. A Government Accountability Office report highlighted the need for the VA to assess outreach efforts to inform veterans about available services, suggesting that the accessibility of care may influence program success.

Oct 9, 2024·UC Davis Health

A study conducted by researchers at UC Davis Children’s Hospital demonstrates that virtual family-centered rounds can significantly enhance family involvement in neonatal intensive care units (NICU), particularly benefiting minority families and those without college degrees. Published in Telemedicine and e-Health, the research indicates that this virtual format improves attendance and engagement, allowing families to better communicate with medical teams about their child’s condition. Led by associate professor Jennifer Rosenthal, the study involved 110 families and found that virtual participation notably increased among those who typically face challenges with in-person attendance, suggesting that virtual rounds may help address healthcare access disparities.

Oct 8, 2024·MedCity News

Access to healthcare in rural America is hindered by numerous barriers, impacting around 60 million residents. Limited provider availability, higher rates of chronic health issues, and the closure of rural hospitals contribute to poorer health outcomes, evidenced by elevated mortality rates compared to urban areas. Financial challenges are exacerbated by a higher uninsured rate and long travel distances to care facilities, while inadequate internet access restricts the effectiveness of telehealth services. To overcome these challenges, a multifaceted approach is needed, including the expansion of broadband and the integration of various healthcare technologies.

Sep 29, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

Mass General Brigham has developed the largest hospital-at-home program in the U.S., enabling patients to receive hospital-level care in their homes, a service that gained momentum during the Covid-19 pandemic. This program, developed through collaboration with healthcare providers and technology experts, employs telehealth technologies and a dedicated support team to ensure safety and quality care. Patient eligibility is carefully assessed, enabling tailored care plans for various needs, such as post-surgical recovery and chronic condition management, which contribute to better health outcomes and lower hospital readmission rates.

Sep 26, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

HHS is advocating for stricter regulation of remote patient monitoring (RPM) technologies amid concerns regarding misuse and patient safety. As RPM use rises, particularly after the COVID-19 pandemic, the agency seeks to develop guidelines that prioritize ethical use while enhancing patient protection. This includes ensuring clinical validation of devices, secure data management, and comprehensive patient education. The initiative reflects a need to balance the benefits of RPM with the risks associated with data privacy and reliance on technology over traditional care methods.

Sep 25, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

Sanford Health, the largest rural health system in the United States, has launched a multifaceted strategy to improve cancer care deserts by expanding telehealth services, increasing community outreach, and partnering with local organizations. By prioritizing early detection and prevention, the organization facilitates remote consultations and educates communities on cancer risks and screenings. Furthermore, it emphasizes workforce development by training local healthcare providers and offering opportunities for medical students to work in rural settings, ultimately seeking to establish a sustainable model of cancer care tailored to the unique challenges faced by these populations.

Sep 23, 2024·MedCity News

As telehealth becomes more widespread, it has the potential to reshape care delivery by making healthcare more accessible and patient-centered. The integration of virtual care into the broader healthcare system is vital, necessitating collaboration among providers, payers, and technology developers, according to Eve Cunningham, MD, Chief of Virtual Care and Digital Health at Providence. However, the sector faces challenges, including regulatory and reimbursement issues, that must be addressed to ensure equitable access, she said during a fireside chat at MedCity News’ INVEST Digital Health conference. The importance of data analytics in evaluating and improving virtual care services was also underscored, demonstrating its role in enhancing patient outcomes moving forward.

Sep 18, 2024·Healthcare Finance News

In June, telehealth usage in the United States increased by 10% compared to May, driven by heightened public health concerns and the convenience of virtual healthcare. The uptick was particularly prominent in primary care and mental health services, with a significant number of patients opting for virtual consultations, especially for mental health support. Healthcare providers are responding by expanding their telehealth offerings and enhancing technology to improve patient experiences. This trend has sparked discussions on the long-term sustainability of telehealth services and the necessity for regulatory frameworks to support their integration into the healthcare system, emphasizing a balanced approach that combines both in-person and virtual care.

Sep 5, 2024·Apple News

The article discusses the increasing reliance on telehealth services, particularly in rural areas, where access to healthcare is often limited. It highlights the benefits of remote consultations, including convenience and the ability to connect with specialists who may not be available locally. However, it also addresses challenges such as technological barriers and concerns related to privacy and security in health data. The piece emphasizes the need for ongoing improvements to ensure equitable access to telehealth services for all populations.

Aug 29, 2024·publication

The Mayo Clinic’s Advanced Care at Home program offers patients like Shannon Scott, who suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, the opportunity to receive hospital-level care at home. Launched in 2020, the program employs virtual care through Bluetooth-enabled devices and home visits for various medical services, reducing the need for hospital stays and associated infection risks. It has served over 3,300 patients, avoiding more than 17,600 hospital days and achieving high patient satisfaction. The program’s success has led to partnerships with other healthcare providers and ongoing innovation, including remote medication management and potential drone deliveries. Philanthropic support continues to be crucial for its expansion and further development.

Aug 15, 2024·Wall Street Journal

Hospitals are increasingly adopting home-based healthcare services, shifting some treatments traditionally administered in hospital settings to patients' residences. This approach aims to alleviate hospital congestion, lower healthcare costs, and offer more personalized care. Advances in telemedicine and remote monitoring technology support this transition, allowing medical professionals to oversee patient recovery and administer treatments remotely. Key challenges include ensuring consistent quality of care, managing logistics, and overcoming regulatory and insurance hurdles.

Jul 24, 2024·ciolook

The article discusses the transformative trends and innovations in the healthcare industry driven by technological advancements, demographic shifts, and changing patient expectations. Key focus areas include telemedicine, which has expanded access to care through remote consultations; Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), which enhance diagnostic accuracy and personalized treatment plans; and personalized medicine that customizes treatments based on individual genetic and lifestyle factors. The Internet of Medical Things (IoMT) enables real-time health data monitoring, improving chronic disease management. Additionally, blockchain technology offers secure health data management and improved interoperability. These innovations collectively promise better healthcare delivery, improved patient outcomes, and greater accessibility and efficiency in the industry.

Jul 10, 2024·PYMNTS

### Telehealth Declines as AI and In-Person Visits Rise Post-Pandemic Post-pandemic, the demand for telehealth services has decreased, and healthcare trends are shifting towards Artificial Intelligence (AI) and in-person visits. Oregon Health & Science University recently disbanded a prominent telehealth nursing unit established during the pandemic. According to experts, traditional telehealth models, which focused on transactional interactions without holistic care, are becoming outdated. Companies like Amazon and Walmart have scaled back their telehealth offerings, though startups like Fabric are integrating AI to streamline both virtual and in-person services. Innovations such as holographic consultations are emerging, pointing towards a hybrid future in healthcare. ### Do US Consumers Underestimate the Potential Of Digital Wallets? Despite the widespread use of digital wallets in the U.S., primarily for online shopping and peer-to-peer payments, most consumers are unaware of the broader functionalities these tools offer. A report by PYMNTS and Google Wallet reveals that only a small fraction of users utilize digital wallets for non-transactional purposes like storing credentials or accessing events and rewards programs. The study highlights a significant untapped potential, suggesting that digital wallets could simplify identity verification processes and offer more convenience beyond just financial transactions.

Jul 8, 2024·Digital Health

A Coherent Market Insights report forecasts the global digital healthcare market will reach $836.10 billion by 2031, with a compound annual growth rate of 21% from 2024. Key drivers include the widespread adoption of telehealth spurred by the Covid-19 pandemic, the ageing population requiring remote monitoring, and substantial investments in healthcare digital transformation. The report highlights that healthcare analytics solutions already account for over 30% of the market share, aiding in population health management and financial performance. Challenges noted include data security and the lack of digital infrastructure in developing regions.

Jul 1, 2024·Becker's Hospital Review

UC Davis Health, in partnership with Best Buy Health’s Current Health platform, is implementing a remote patient monitoring program to enhance chronic disease management, particularly hypertension. Despite advancements, effective blood pressure control remains challenging for many patients. The program will utilize blood pressure cuffs and scales to transmit real-time data to UC Davis Health's electronic medical records, improving patient and physician collaboration. Best Buy Health was chosen for their comprehensive and accessible monitoring solutions, as well as their robust logistical and technical support, allowing clinical teams to concentrate on patient care.

Apr 10, 2024·Managed Healthcare Executive

**Patient Portal Use is Growing, But Physician Billing in Medicare Hasn’t Caught Up** A study reveals an increase in Medicare beneficiaries using patient portals for communication with physicians, yet only a small fraction (~0.05%) of these communications result in a bill for Medicare, primarily for high blood pressure or diabetes management. Despite CMS's Medicare compensation for virtual services necessitating medical decision-making over five minutes during the COVID-19 pandemic, billed e-visits have plateaued since an initial surge. The study, headed by the University of Michigan, suggests providers might be wary of billing for portal messages due to concerns over patient costs, highlighting a need for clearer guidance on billing for digital patient interactions. **More than a Third of Americans Have Skipped a Healthcare Visit Due to Inability to Pay** According to a Payzen report surveying over a thousand Americans who had a hospital visit or surgery in the last two years, over a third of insured Americans and 83% of uninsured individuals have forgone healthcare visits due to cost concerns. The average American can only afford up to $97 a month out-of-pocket for healthcare expenses, with significant disparities across racial groups. The most commonly skipped services include preventative visits, prescription refills, mental health care, and diagnostic testing, underscoring the pressing issue of healthcare affordability in the United States.

Apr 8, 2024·CNBC

Teladoc Health announced the immediate departure of its CEO, Jason Gorevic, who has led the company since 2009, including through the challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic. CFO Mala Murthy has been appointed as the interim CEO while the board searches for a permanent replacement. This leadership change comes as the company's stock has seen a significant decline, falling 95% from its 2021 highs.

Apr 3, 2024·FierceHealthcare

Costco has partnered with the healthcare marketplace Sesame to offer its members a comprehensive weight loss program that includes an initial live video consultation and three months of clinical support. The program, which is available across all 50 U.S. states for an initial subscription of $179, also provides access to discounted outpatient medical care services through Sesame. This collaboration offers participants personalized health plans, the possibility of prescriptions for weight loss medications like the GLP-1 class drugs when clinically appropriate, and the convenience of having prescriptions filled at Costco pharmacies. This initiative is part of Costco's broader strategy to expand its healthcare services, aligning with the growing demand for weight loss medications and the increasing importance of virtual healthcare solutions.