Technological innovations have continuously revolutionized the healthcare industry. From improvements in efficiency to increased care coordination and novel care delivery methods, technology has led to widespread advancements in healthcare. The pandemic has further heightened the demand on technology by payers, providers, and consumers.
Providers have specifically experienced a surge in the reliance on technology during COVID-19. With the suspension of many in-person visits, shifts in consumer demand, and growing financial implications, providers have become dependent on technology.
From telehealth to analytics platforms and software solutions, technology has enabled providers to deliver care during COVID-19. Although the rapid adoption of technological innovations has been driven by necessity and crisis, the positive impact on care delivery will likely escalate the prominence of technology in healthcare going forward.
The following innovations are critical solutions enabling advancements in care delivery:
Telehealth
The telehealth industry has experienced explosive growth during the COVID-19 crisis. Providers have rapidly adapted to virtual care platforms as a primary method of care delivery. Through changes in regulations, financial reimbursement rates, accessibility, and widespread acceptance of telehealth, the crisis has spotlighted virtual care as a viable care delivery method. As a result, the technology innovations driving virtual care will continue to grow.
Providers rely upon technology to enable virtual care delivery. By aligning advancements in telehealth technology with improved patient outcomes, telehealth can increase care coordination, improve care accessibility and engage patients more effectively. Technological innovations such as compatibility with monitoring devices and interoperability can also enable more comprehensive virtual care methods. Overall, the COVID-19 crisis has amplified the viability of telehealth, which will lead to further innovation and growth across the industry.
Data & Analytics
Data and analytics platforms allow providers to manage diverse, complex healthcare information. Through the capture, integration and interpretation of this information, software platforms enable providers to make strategic decisions. As a result, providers can better predict population health needs.
The COVID-19 crisis has further fueled the desire for data and analytics across the healthcare industry. From value-based care to population health, data and analytics platforms have enabled providers to assess risk, prepare for changing patient volumes, and drive better outcomes. The continued development of innovative data and analytics platforms will ensure providers are ready to adapt to future changes in healthcare delivery.
Technology-enabled Services
The implementation of technology-enabled services into patient care has heavily impacted healthcare delivery models. Providers utilize a variety of software solutions such as Electronic Health Records (EHRs), Revenue Cycle Management (RCM) Software, and Patient Portals. These platforms demand constant innovation to meet regulatory and consumer needs.
The value to providers created by technology-enabled services has been emphasized by the COVID-19 crisis. Reliable revenue cycle software has become critical to providers due to the financial stress generated by the pandemic. Similarly, electronic health records and monitoring platforms have allowed for increased care coordination of infected patients. By adapting to technology-enabled services, providers can elevate patient care and improve outcomes.
The COVID-19 crisis has elevated the importance of technology in healthcare. A shift in the mindsets of consumers and providers have increased the demand for virtual care. The need to understand and predict trends has further emphasized the value proposition of data and analytics platforms. Additionally, deploying technology-enabled services has proven crucial in the success of healthcare providers. These impacts, among others, will likely accelerate the pace at which technological innovations are developed and deployed by healthcare providers.