“Given the influence of consumer preference, health system leaders should keep a close pulse on how COVID-19 is shaping consumer sentiment around service types across markets.” (McKinsey,2020)
The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted the healthcare system as a whole and brought attention to remote wound management. Providers and patients alike see the benefits of providing care via telehealth:
A McKinsey & Company survey reported that 57% of providers view telehealth more favorably than before COVID-19, and 64% stated that they are more comfortable using it. This shift to telehealth will continue post-pandemic, as providers have become more comfortable with telehealth practices.
The benefits of telehealth also mirror what healthcare consumers are seeking in how care is delivered - care that is easily accessible, convenient, and efficient. It is reported that telehealth experienced a year-over-year increase of 64.3% in 2020, and the American Medical Association reported that $250 billion in care could shift to telehealth, or about 20%, of what payers spend on outpatient, office and home health visits.
Currently, only telehealth visits that take place during the pandemic are being reimbursed, but the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed to widen this regulation to continue to reimburse telemedicine encounters post-pandemic.
If you’re struggling to integrate telehealth effectively into your outpatient wound care program, reach out. Our consultants (info@thewca.com) would be more than happy to discuss options and help you choose the solution that works best for your hospital.
References:
