Digital Health Might Be the Answer to Patient-Centered Care
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June 04, 2021
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It’s true that the transition from fee-for-service (volume) to value-based care has been ongoing for several years, primarily driven by Medicare. Value-based initiatives recognize the primacy of patient-centricity, prevention, earlier intervention, care continuity and non-facility community-based care — all important prerequisites to adoption of digital health by payers and providers.
And, due to the extreme convenience of telehealth visits (which are a component of digital care), patients are less likely to miss appointments and more likely to be on time for the telehealth visits, thereby enhancing physician productivity.
Plus, throw in the fact that consumers seem to love all things digital — and this is especially true when it comes to receiving “live” data streamed directly into their watches, iPhones and other devices. The functionality of remote monitoring devices, combined with convenience, low cost and high data quality, is potentially applicable to many chronic disease patients.
Health data, the analysis of those data, and taking action to improve, correct or nudge those data in a direction that is beneficial for the patient’s/consumer’s health and wellness are now untethered from a physical ecosystem.
All well-rounded digital strategy should include four key elements: (1) the technology required to support interoperability and access to data; (2) a firm “environment of care” needs assessment to understand what processes (new or amended care paths) are needed; (3) consideration of the skill mix required to meet the needs of a hybrid-care model; and (4) development of a robust governance structure to ensure proper oversight and agility.
Published
June 04, 2021
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