The future of telehealth remains positive, and its impact on health insurance is becoming increasingly significant. Telehealth is the distribution of health-related services and information via electronic information and telecommunication technologies. It allows long-distance patient and clinician contact, care, advice, reminders, education, intervention, monitoring, and remote admissions. Key trends have emerged surrounding the use of this technology that will continue to shape the future of telehealth services and health insurance.
Telehealth uses communication technology to deliver healthcare services to patients without the need for physical presence, such as video chat via apps or webcams, phones, or video conference software. Prominent hospitals in Kenya, such as the Kenyatta University Teaching, Referral and Research Hospital (KUTRRH) use telehealth services in certain cases to provide services to patients. It is used in Home based care; Palliative care and planning for dermatology and oncology clinics. Prior to the pandemic, telehealth services were generally limited and had a large range of restrictions. They were created to support rural and underserved patients who had limited access to specialists. Fast forward to 2020-2021, and telehealth is becoming widespread across all aspects of the industry.
Health insurance has had to evolve alongside telehealth. Insurers have increasingly recognized the benefits of covering telehealth services. During the pandemic, many insurance companies expanded their coverage to include telehealth, recognizing its potential to reduce costs and improve access to care. This shift is expected to continue as insurers see the value in supporting telehealth for non-urgent and follow-up appointments, chronic care management, and mental health services.
One of the key trends driving the future of telehealth is increased patient utilization. Originally implemented to reduce community transmission, telehealth has led to active discussions about its continued use post-pandemic. It is now considered a cost-effective first line of treatment for many non-urgent issues. As a result, healthcare providers and insurance companies are likely to collaborate to broaden the availability and accessibility of telehealth services.
Another trend is increased chronic care management. Telehealth has the potential to reduce the cost of care plans and improve patient engagement and adherence. Patients can connect with their doctors quickly and frequently, removing the need for lengthy waits and continuous commutes. This frequent connection can help catch small problems early, reducing the risk of further complications. Insurance companies are recognizing these benefits and may continue to support telehealth as a means to manage chronic conditions more effectively.
Telehealth has also brought a greater focus on mental health. The pandemic exacerbated mental health issues, causing an increase in depression and anxiety. Teletherapy and telepsychiatry emerged as vital tools for providing continuous care. This form of treatment is likely to remain popular, helping to address the limited availability of mental health specialists in certain areas. Health insurers have started to cover these services more extensively, acknowledging their importance in comprehensive healthcare.
Improving user experience is another critical aspect. Patient demand for convenient access to care services will continue to drive telehealth growth. Insurers and providers must ensure a seamless, integrated experience. This includes streamlined digital platforms that offer comprehensive service through integrated communications, real-time updates, reminders, and follow-up appointments.
The integration of data sharing is also becoming essential. Telehealth apps are beginning to communicate with fitness apps and electronic healthcare records, giving healthcare professionals a more rounded view of a patient’s health. This integrated data sharing is driven by interoperability, which allows different systems to access and use data cooperatively. Insurers can leverage this data to provide better coverage and support for telehealth services.
Telehealth is here to stay, and its integration with health insurance will continue to shape the future of healthcare. The collaboration between telehealth services and health insurance can provide numerous benefits, including improved public health, better access to care, and reduced financial stress. As the healthcare industry moves forward, it is clear that telehealth will remain a vital component of healthcare delivery and insurance coverage.
