Telehealth
Faster internet speeds, better tech and avoiding other potentially sick patients is pushing investors to pump money into the remote-care space.
Text messaging may be helpful for reinforcing certain health behaviors, such as smoking cessation during pregnancy.
When opioid dependent patients are on medication-assisted treatments, health-related costs decrease by $20,000 annually, according to Bright Heart Health.
Plan satisfaction will now have a greater effect on MA star ratings, as the Advance Notice proposes to double the value member satisfaction.
The force driving change is data and consumer demand, expert says.
Healthcare costs will continue to be a major focus in a year that will also see health systems struggle with adequate staffing and security threats.
Forthcoming policies from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services will open up the home as a covered site of care in which hospitals can earn payment for delivered services.
Despite an increase in usage, telehealth visits for substance use disorder represented just 1.4 percent of telehealth visits for any health condition.
Only one quarter of one percent of Medicare beneficiaries in 2016 took advantage of the service.
Once a novelty, telehealth has potential to ease the workflow and financial burdens placed on physicians and nurses.