COVID-19 accelerates the adoption of telemedicine in aging services
Telehealth is not only expanding services to a vulnerable population, but it also is driving new changes across the aging services industry.
Telemedicine has become a valuable medical technology and resource during the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Medical professionals and patients recognize that telemedicine is no longer solely about convenience; however, it offers a safe alternative to the traditional methods of delivering an array of medical services. Although telemedicine has been available for years, the current pandemic has accelerated its adoption within the broader populace.
According to McKnight’s Senior Living, nearly 110,000 people who are older than 65 years of age have died from COVID-19, and millions more continue to be affected by the pandemic. The aging services population is experiencing unprecedented restrictions due to their increased vulnerability to the virus, including such activities as routine medical office visits.
Telemedicine refers to technology-enabled healthcare management. It encompasses more than an appointment with a qualified medical professional through a laptop, tablet or mobile device. It is a component of the healthcare delivery system that extends capacity and access, which includes the utilization of advanced wearable technology to monitor patients. Qualified medical professionals can consult with patients by using Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) compliant video-conferencing tools. For example, telehealth visits, which offer real-time appointments, enable patients to consult with specialists, in addition to their primary care physician, in a single appointment to address their health concerns. Virtual appointments can be used as follow-up discussions for ongoing care, preventing risks that may occur when traveling to a medical office.
The result has been an increase in healthcare services for all demographics, especially in the aging services population. Propelled by increased utilization, more insurance companies are covering telemedicine services.
As a result of greater utilization of telemedicine, the following two key benefits have been recognized:
Increase in the availability of care
Access to care is one of the leading benefits of using telemedicine. Through the use of technology, seniors can have greater access to medical professionals, receiving the care that is needed on a consistent, ongoing basis. By using technology, patients are experiencing quicker access to specialists without concerns for transportation arrangements.
Expanded mental health support
Mental health indicators are often under-identified by the aging population and their families due to the stigma surrounding these conditions, which increase reluctance to seek help. According to the World Health Organization, the most common mental and neurological disorders among people aged 60 and older are dementia and depression that affects approximately 5% and 7% of the world’s aging population, respectively. During the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, federal legislation was passed, providing greater flexibility for psychologists to provide telehealth services to Medicare beneficiaries.
As a result of greater utilization of telemedicine, the financial impact on the aging services industry must be recognized.
The increasing trend for an individual to stay within his or her residence and receive medical services at home has major financial implications for long-term care and senior living facilities. While there will likely continue to be a demand for in-patient care in a facility environment, both from a social and economic perspective, telemedicine could reduce the duration of the average stay at a facility, such as a short-term rehabilitation stay.
Consequently, this may reduce the recent pace of expansion in the industry for new beds for the baby boomer generation. In addition to competing for resident admissions, facilities will be competing against home health companies collaborating with telehealth providers to deliver new home-based solutions. Lastly, telemedicine is reducing other costs to facilities by eliminating transportation and wages for chaperones to appointments, as more appointments are performed virtually.
In the future, it is likely that telemedicine services will continue to increase. The uses and benefits of telemedicine are surpassing what so many thought could be possible for the aging services industry. The pandemic is not only accelerating and broadening the adoption of telemedicine; it is being viewed as a catalyst for additional technology use.
Blaine Thomas is vice president and industry leader for aging services at CNA.
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