The Evolution of Telehealth Before and After COVID

COVID-19 has gone down in history as a life-changing event for the entire world. Hundreds of businesses were forced to close their doors, and families were quarantined in their homes for weeks at a time. Although telehealth technology was in place before COVID hit, the pandemic forced healthcare systems to really implement changes to reach patients in a difficult time. In this blog, we will explore the changes that took place as a result of COVID.

What is Telehealth?

To begin, we need to establish what telehealth even is. Telehealth is the use of digital technologies to deliver healthcare services remotely, allowing patients and healthcare professionals to connect without the need for in-person visits. This approach incorporates video calls, audio calls, messaging, and other virtual communication tools. 

Patients can consult with healthcare providers from the comfort of their homes, saving time and resources. Overall, telehealth represents a transformative shift in healthcare delivery, promoting convenience, accessibility, and effective communication between patients and healthcare professionals.

History of Housecalls

In its earliest form, medical attention was administered directly at a patient’s residence, serving as the most basic precursor to telehealth both before and after the COVID era. While not entirely remote, this at-home treatment represents an elemental model for the evolution of telehealth. However, as medical remedies advanced and became impractical to carry in a portable apothecary’s bag, this practice gradually diminished, leading doctor visits to transition exclusively to hospitals.

Housecalls were a prevalent practice until as late as 1930, consulting around 40% of patient visits. Over the subsequent two decades, this proportion dwindled to 10%, and by the onset of Ronald Reagan’s presidency in 1980, housecalls comprised only about 1% of doctors’ visits.

Before COVID-19

While telehealth technologies existed before March 2020, they were not as common as they became during and after the pandemic. The use of telehealth was limited in scope and often employed in specific scenarios, such as rural healthcare access, remote monitoring for chronic conditions, or consultations with specialists. Factors such as regulatory barriers, reimbursement issues, and a general preference for in-person visits contributed to the slower adoption of telehealth.

The COVID-19 pandemic acted as a catalyst for the rapid expansion and normalization of telehealth services. The need for social distancing and the strain on healthcare systems prompted a significant increase in the use of virtual consultations, remote monitoring, and telemedicine platforms. Regulatory changes, increased acceptance among both healthcare providers and patients, and the demonstration of telehealth’s effectiveness during the pandemic contributed to its broader integration into mainstream healthcare practices.

The Impact of COVID-19

At the time we all first heard of the coronavirus in late 2019, we could have never predicted the ramifications the virus would have on the world. The virus affected every single person in some way, whether they contracted the virus, suffered layoffs, had events canceled, or lost a loved one because of the virus. As individuals and families dealt with the effects of the virus while sheltering in place, medical care in the US dropped dramatically despite incredible efforts from medical professionals.

On the contrary, the chaos of the world forced an increase in telehealth medical treatment. Within the first 3 months of the pandemic (after March 2020), telemedicine interactions increased by 766%. The number of medical professionals who reported telemedicine as a skill increased by 20% in a similar time frame.

Transitioning to telehealth was not a simple or easy transition for healthcare professionals. They had to adapt and change their regular routines to accommodate a heavier workload with an increase in the number of patients requiring care. New approaches to Medicare restrictions also took place as Congress adjusted them to create more relaxed criteria. 

As time passed, the influx of patients calmed down but the use of telehealth and medicine has remained. While there were many hardships associated with the pandemic, it also provided a way to make healthcare systems more efficient and effective. Telehealth may not be used as much as it was during the pandemic, but it remains an integral part of the healthcare system. 

Looking Forward

As COVID has become less of a pressing issue in the US, many challenges still remain within the healthcare system. There are always ways to improve and adjust to better serve both patients and medical professionals. Incorporating remote care is just one way to serve a greater community, lower costs, and improve quality of care.