The technology to enable effective telemedicine interactions amongst patients and doctors has been present all over the world.  We’ve seen the last 10 years tech empower remote monitoring technology for chronic conditions, such as diabetes and hypertension. What we haven’t had aligned with the technology are the policies that allow multi-regional and national employers to efficiently deploy these solutions across their entire populations. Many states previously blocked telemedicine and the ability to prescribe. And other roadblocks seemed to instantaneously disappear when COVID no longer allowed for patients to physically visit their doctors during the mass shutdown during early spring 2020.  The question is, was the technology lagging or was politics and industry lobbying prohibiting broader access and adoption?

Now that we’ve seen it’s possible, there is a great opportunity to make things much more seamless and efficacious. It’s great if you can see your doctor via video and have a meaningful interaction, but how effective is it if you don’t have a remote blood pressure cuff at home? And wouldn’t it be even better if your doctor was able to receive your A1C through a data cloud based report in between appointments to better prepare to address any emerging issues?

The challenges I see are way too many “point solutions.” Some have the telemedicine play, others chronic disease management with coaching services, or even AI-enabled interactions. Meanwhile, yet others have the data play that allows for greater transparency and less subjectivity in the patient-doctor relationship; however, in order to create the optimal experience for both employer and patients, we’d need greater connections between and amongst these solutions, as having to contract with 5 to 10 different vendors to manage the population’s health seems cumbersome and short-lived, and white labeling these solutions is not enough.

Complete your profile to continue reading and get FREE access to BenefitsPRO.com, part of your ALM digital membership.

Your access to unlimited BenefitsPRO.com content isn’t changing.
Once you are an ALM digital member, you’ll receive:

  • Critical BenefitsPRO.com information including cutting edge post-reform success strategies, access to educational webcasts and videos, resources from industry leaders, and informative Newsletters.
  • Exclusive discounts on ALM, BenefitsPRO magazine and BenefitsPRO.com events.
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com

Already have an account?

 

BenefitsPRO

Join BenefitsPRO

Don’t miss crucial news and insights you need to navigate the shifting employee benefits industry. Join BenefitsPRO.com now!

  • Unlimited access to BenefitsPRO.com - your roadmap to thriving in a disrupted environment
  • Access to other award-winning ALM websites including ThinkAdvisor.com and Law.com
  • Exclusive discounts on BenefitsPRO.com and ALM events.

Already have an account? Sign In Now
Join BenefitsPRO

Copyright © 2023 ALM Global, LLC. All Rights Reserved.