Telehealth
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.
Enrollment in MA is projected to increase by 11.5 percent, and the number of plans to increase by 600 next year.
Consumers can use the TechDecks to measure blood pressure, weight and other metrics, then send those to doctors at BayCare.
Health and hygiene company RB said consumers who purchase certain products at Walmart will receive a free medical video visit.
The cart helps prevent unnecessary hospitalizations for nursing home patients, saves money and provides peace of mind to physicians and families.