“Because telehealth is on the rise, and because technologies like telehealth technologies are becoming more pervasive, their demand and use will subsequently increase. We want to avoid the digital divide between those who already have access to healthcare and those who do not. In order to avoid exacerbating existing inequalities, one way to increase the inclusivity and accessibility of telehealth technologies is by enrolling both direct and indirect stakeholders into the design process. Determining who the stakeholders are, how this technology impacts them, as well as what their values are and how those technologies can be designed for those values is a question of co-design. Working collaboratively is the key to designing better futures.”
Policy Makers need to bring in Reforms
“Insurance &
Reimbursements have been one of the key obstacles in adoption of Telehealth for
many health care providers. With shifting landscapes after the pandemic which
have been catalyst for great many digital transformation reforms in many
sectors, 33 out of 50 states have some form of parity laws for Private payers
and Medicaid as per CCHPA(Center for Connected Health Policy) for Telehealth. Another
technological catalyst would be 5G which would bring with it the speed needed
to make telehealth experience seamless. If the policymakers continue to reform
the bills needed to bring the telehealth consultation in line with in-office
visits, there is great potential for telehealth to reach remote population and
poorer sections of society in general.”
Lower Telecom Costs
“I agree with
you completely that it is the need of the hour to make telehealth services more
accessible and inclusive. Telehealth services can be made easily accessible and
inclusive by lowering the costs of internet services broadband, (4g, 5g),
laptops, computers, mobiles, and tablets. Almost everyone can use mobile
devices and applications. There is only a need to put a little extra effort
into promotion and education about telehealth services use and guide. Health is
the basic right for every individual. Telehealth services are way more
convenient due to ease of access and saving costs of traveling, visiting
clinics, and waiting.”
“Telehealth helps makes healthcare more easily accessible, but only for those who can afford it. Truly inclusive and accessible Telehealth requires services available in lower-income communities and to more people of color. Many Telehealth services are directly accessed through personal computer devices with adequate internet access, which is a luxury across much of the country. There is an opportunity for these services to be made available in more local areas, such as health departments, that can connect underprivileged communities with unique specialists and health experts across great distances.”
Insurance Companies covering Telehealth
“One of the primary ways to make telehealth more accessible is to require insurance companies to cover telehealth on all plans, including Medicaid and Medicare at the same payment rates for patients, and with the same reimbursement rates, as in-person services. Secondly, originating site requirements, such as that which requires patients to be in a provider’s office to call in to an off-site provider should be removed. Let people access the services where it is safe and convenient to them, while still requiring them to be in a location where their confidentiality can be maintained.”
Telehealth in a Hybrid Format
“We need to
maintain the focus on the delivery of telehealth in a hybrid format. We need to
continue to create the space for telehealth sessions to occur, as not everyone
has access to internet for telehealth services. We need funding to support
staff going out into communities with telehealth equipment to offer access to
providers. Think of the success of mobile mammography over the past few years.
This is an example of telehealth becoming more accessible and inclusive. We
need to open this idea to a wide variety of healthcare services from
dermatology to mental health.”
Bring Telehealth services to Consumers’ doorstep
“Telehealth
soared in adoption moving from about 10% to over 70% almost overnight with
COVID-19 – It was the only way to see your doctor. Consumers have become
accustomed to a new way to have healthcare encounters. To build upon this
trend, we need to build value around the Telehealth offering – a reason why a
consumer constantly wants to come back to get their healthcare needs met.
Whether its birth control pills, rescue inhalers, flu symptoms, Remote Patient
Monitoring or other Digital Health services that you physically visit your
doctor – Any services that you would receive at your doctor’s office, now have
to migrate home (Blood Draws, Vital Signs, Face to Face Visits, etc.) to
increase adoption and accessibility at home. Telehealth platforms have grown
significantly over the past year and will continue to forge new pathways to
healthcare, outside the traditional point of care – home.”
Conclusion
With quality and
timely healthcare being inaccessible for so many, telehealth appears to be the
modern day solution. It wouldn’t matter anymore if someone was living in remote
areas or traveling, they would always have access to the healthcare of their
choice. With the pandemic breaking the barriers to this healthcare innovation,
it is likely telehealth will emerge as a new smart healthcare branch. If we
wish for telehealth to be more accessible and inclusive, the various
departments of healthcare, insurance, IT, telecom and other related sectors
need to work in collaboration to ensure the progress of this medical pathway.