SPARKING CHANGE IN DIGITAL HEALTH

COVID as a catalyst for telemedicine

- Laurel Sutherland

It should come as no surprise that the COVID-19 pandemic triggered a swift and unprecedented adoption of telehealth tools to help keep both patients and healthcare professionals safe. Development of products that were expected to take years happened in weeks. Connecting with healthcare professionals via phone or video call went from a convenient novelty to a necessary safety measure in short order. Necessity, along with emergency changes to HIPAA guidelines and insurance reimbursement, spurred rapid growth in the telemedicine world. Today, in Northern Michigan, patients have access to everything from 24-hour urgent care consultations to prenatal visits, all through telephone and video. Telehealth offers patients the option to enjoy access to safe, convenient and affordable care, virtually. For healthcare providers, telehealth enables specialists in more metropolitan areas to reach rural patients. Much uncertainty remains as to how changing regulations and safety measures will impact telehealth in the future, but it’s expected to have far-reaching impacts beyond the pandemic. One thing is certain: COVID-19 changed the game in healthcare technology, and healthcare leaders, as well as patients, across Northern Michigan are taking note.

Innovators Step Up to Meet Demand

McLaren’s New App Provides 24/7 Care