Telehealth services, which treat patients remotely through videoconferencing or other remote connections between providers and patients, is spreading for inpatient services but flat for outpatient use, a new survey finds.
The survey released Tuesday by the industry analyst Definitive Healthcare shows increasing acceptance of telehealth as a way to provide services to patients when they aren’t being seen in person by a doctor, nurse or other provider, at least when it comes to inpatient services.
When the study was first conducted in 2014, 54% said they’ve adopted telehealth practices. This year, it was up to 85%. Technology advancements in areas like videoconferencing allowing patient and provider to interact through a screen have shown wider adoption, as have management tools such as text messaging, Definitive Healthcare said.
Another 90% of respondents said they plan telehealth investments in the next 12 to 18 months, through the primary hurdle to further adoption is the cost of bringing on such equipment.
Telehealth in outpatient use remains lower at 44%, despite what Definitive Healthcare said was an increase in use of two-way video, mobile applications and clinical-grade remote patient monitoring devices.
Challenges to wider outpatient adoption include uncertainty around reimbursement policies, a better understanding of of what options are available, and solutions accessed through electronic health record systems, said Jason Krantz, Definitive Healthcare’s CEO.
The survey was conducted with physicians and healthcare administrators.
