Telehealth increases outcomes, spending, as regulatory flexibilities in question

According to a report published in Health Affairs

The researchers investigated the relationship between the adoption of telemedicine and its impact on costs and quality of care in several health systems.

According to the report, patients who fell into the highest percentile for telehealth adoption had higher levels of medication adherence and saw a 1.6% increase in healthcare spending, while emergency department use and hospitalization rates were lower.

“Going forward, it will be important to continue to monitor the impact of telemedicine on quality and spending,” the report notes. “The effects of telemedicine on quality and spending could change as technology improves, health systems optimize telemedicine services, or patient demand grows.”

WHY DOES THIS MATTER

The report comes as flexibilities granted for the use of telehealth during the pandemic are set to expire at the end of this year without congressional action.

Dr. Harvey Castro, a physician and health consultant, said the findings underscore the need for policymakers to carefully consider the ramifications of allowing pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities to expire.

“These flexibilities have increased access to health care, especially for underserved populations, and encouraged greater adherence to chronic medication due to easier monitoring,” he said.

It recommends that policymakers engage with stakeholders, including patient advocacy groups, to fully understand the impact of telehealth.

“As an ER physician with an interest in telehealth innovations, I view the modest cost increases associated with telehealth, as reported in the study, as an investment and not just an expense,” Castro said.

These costs are likely related to the infrastructure required to support telehealth services and staff training to effectively manage virtual consultations. Lawmakers should aim to extend those flexibilities beyond the pandemic to maintain gains in health access and quality, he said.

They should also consider integrating new telehealth policies that address and mitigate modest cost increases, ensuring that telehealth remains an economically viable option.

“Creating a supportive regulatory environment that promotes the benefits of telehealth while addressing challenges such as privacy issues and the digital divide is crucial,” Castro said.

Castro said healthcare organizations should focus on leveraging telehealth to reduce reliance on in-person visits, which can reduce overall costs in the long run and improve patient outcomes.

“Improved patient monitoring through telehealth can lead to better management of chronic diseases, potentially reducing costly complications and hospital readmissions,” he explained.

Although upfront investments are required, the long-term savings and benefits to patient outcomes are substantial, making telehealth especially crucial in rural or underserved areas.

Healthcare providers should integrate telehealth into their standard offerings, ensuring seamless coordination with in-person care to optimize patient pathways. But they must also evaluate the adaptation of telehealth practices based on data about the effectiveness of the results and the efficiency of their operations.

“Providers and policymakers must work together to ensure patients are informed about how to use telehealth technologies, with the goal of maximum benefit and minimum frustration,” Castro said.

Continuous technological improvements are also necessary to ensure that telehealth platforms are easy to use, secure and able to integrate with other technologies.

“Fostering a culture of innovation and learning within the healthcare community is vital to perfecting telehealth services to better serve both patients and providers,” said Castro.

THE BIGGEST TREND

National use of telehealth increased 6.3% in November 2023, from 4.8% to 5.1% of medical claims lines compared to October 2023, according to a February report from monthly regional telehealth monitoring from FAIR Health.

Advances in telehealth technology have also highlighted disparities in digital health access and literacy, underscoring the importance of implementing a digital equity strategy to ensure universal access and participation in telemedicine

An October 2023 study indicated that telehealth is effectively meeting the critical demand for pediatric mental health services, and suggested that commercial health insurers should leverage telehealth to address the shortage of mental health providers for youth.

Email the writer: nathaneddy@gmail.com