2020 saw many healthcare organizations scrambled to transition from traditional in-office to virtual care. Quick IT fixes, relaxed HIPAA regulations, expanded CPT codes, and Zoom video calls made it easier for some practices to become virtual overnight. We all can agree that healthcare in 2021 is entirely different from where it was at the beginning of 2020.

Consumers got comfortable in front of their digital devices, and virtual consultations grew 400% in 2020.

For comparison, the global telehealth market was worth 5.3B in 2019; in 2020, it was 11.6B. ⁽¹⁾

Lori Intravichit, CEO of Sunlit Cove Healthcare said:

Now that the telehealth pandemic related crises have lightened, healthcare facilities need to look for long-term telehealth sustainability. Successful practices will have to continue evolving to meet IT and privacy requirements and continue expanding telehealth to the population that traditionally might have been left behind.

3 Key Elements of Telehealth in 2021

1. Innovation

All big tech companies including Amazon, Apple, and Microsoft started their own or telehealth company or acquired one to compete in the ever-growing healthcare digital ecosystem. In 2021, we will see the rise and fall of numerous devices designed to monitor our well-being. Any new or existing virtual software will have to be a turnkey solution with seamless integration. The biggest hurdles will be overcoming the increasingly growing issues with patient’s privacy and data security, as well as new healthcare regulations.

2. Policies & Procedures

Now it is time to really evaluate your in-office visit versus virtual visit workflows. Without the pandemic, virtual care would take months to implement, from evaluation, strategy, multiple bids on technology, and training. The pandemic forced most healthcare facilities to adapt overnight by implementing shortcuts and, in some cases employing additional staff to accommodate these shortcuts. Successful and profitable organizations will streamline the internal workflow and leverage menial tasks like scheduling an appointment with software or a trusted partner.

3. ROI

Providers need to understand and adapt to the ever-changing telehealth reimbursement policies and look for solutions beyond CPT codes and traditional billing models. Having a virtual visit is a must but let’s not forget that it must be reimbursed.

Conclusion:
In 2021 and beyond a pandemic, virtual care will play a significant role in offering greater access to all types of patients and, ultimately, your bottom line. Sunlit Cove Healthcare Consultants can help you identify challenges and opportunities and realistically evaluate your virtual care processes. Contact us or give us a call at (727) 278-3009 to get started.

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(1) Signify Research’s Report – signifyresearch.net

Sunlit Cove Healthcare Consultants

We provide management and consulting services to help healthcare businesses run efficiently. Navigating the dynamic and complex revenue cycle management is a challenge for many health plans, health care vendors, and providers. Our consulting services are available to assist with your day-to-day operations and provide expertise in growth and change management. We manage all aspects of your enterprise from the development of the revenue cycle management process to the completion of your business cycle.

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