Fusing Virtual & In-Person Care Contributes to Sustained Telehealth Use

Telehealth use has grown tremendously in 2023. With the global pandemic prompting an increase in digital technology use, this too has been a game-changer. Many health insurers expanded coverage to include virtual services for the duration of the pandemic. With patients everywhere warming up to the use of virtual tools, many are wondering what the next steps are for continued use. Fusing virtual and in-person care might be the next step in sustained telehealth use. Hybrid plans combine the best of both virtual and in-person care to help patients stay engaged and your practice grow.

Health Insurers Vital Role:

Health insurers play a vital role in facilitating sustained uptake of telehealth. They are in charge of making services available to patients and reimbursing providers through hybrid plans. As more and more patients grow to depend and prefer virtual and remote care, health insurers are reconsidering what future coverage might include.

Fused Care Plans and the Consumer:

Virtual plans will woo consumers who have warmed to virtual care, while also allowing them to revert to in-person care whenever they need to. Research reflects that fusing telehealth coverage and in-person care coverage will enable better patient experiences and increase growth opportunities for healthcare organizations.

The Benefits of a Hybrid Telehealth Plan:

Reduced Hospitalizations

This tool is a quick and effective way to screen patients from their homes. Utilized in conjunction with Chronic Care Management programs, telehealth can reduce hospitalization and the overall cost of care. Patients battling multiple chronic conditions often find themselves in the ER with new or unexpected symptoms. Rather than get charged hundreds, if not thousands, for an expensive EHR visit, telehealth saves the day. Doctors can screen and treat patients from their homes.

Increased Total Outpatient Encounters

Research shows that hybrid plans help providers increase the total number of outpatient encounters. Combining both in-person and virtual visits has led to an increase in the total number of visits a provider is capable of completing in a day. This telehealth benefit leads to revenue growth opportunities across your organization.

Improved Patient Engagement & Satisfaction

Lastly, hybrid telehealth plans are perfect for improving patient engagement and optimizing the patient experience. Patients can choose what option works best for them and work with their doctor more regularly, without strain. This tool makes it easy for patients to stay engaged with their providers by clearing a pathway to communication. Patients can avoid inconvenient travelling to and from their provider’s office by opting for telehealth, instead. When a patient wishes to see their provider in person, they can do so just as easily.

Neither telehealth nor in-person care is better than the other, but using both is an incredible growth opportunity. Hybrid plans will prompt continued use of telehealth once the pandemic is over, helping providers get more patients and helping patients stay engaged. The utilization of both virtual and in-person tools only hold positive results for the future of healthcare.

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