What's New(s)
Telehealth regulations have been relaxed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, triggering interest and support for virtual care owing to its benefits like convenience and safety.
Another less spoken advantage of telemedicine is the availability of specialists for patients especially suffering from chronic diseases like cancer.
Even though COVID-19 pandemic has amplified the potential of telemedicine to expand access to care, it also highlighted existing disparities in the system, noted the Congress members, Access to broadband is an issue, as pointed out by many telehealth advocates.
A new coalition aims to utilize and focus on consumer-facing mHealth and telehealth tools to mitigate health disparities. Guided by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) and Connected Health Initiative (CHI), the Health Equity and Access Leadership (HEAL) coalition brings together different organizations and companies in the digital health space.
The use of telehealth in U.S. healthcare has been accelerated due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Fitch Ratings. Telehealth technology is providing revenue continuity whose ripple effects are felt in the supply chain as well, since doctors continue to prescribe medications.
