Dr. Brad Younggren, Chief Medical Officer and President of Care Innovation at 98point6 Technologies
In the face of unprecedented clinical workforce shortages that are only expected to grow larger in 2024, according to a new PWC report, health systems across the country are grappling with the challenges of providing quality care while navigating budget constraints. Hospital leaders face the daunting task of recruiting and retaining clinicians while seeking higher reimbursement from payers to cover their escalating salaries. The confluence of these challenges is prompting health systems to explore new solutions to help mitigate financial burden, and virtual care models have emerged as a beacon of hope.
Gartner’s 2022 Hype Cycle for Healthcare Providers corroborated the shift, stating “we see greater provider interest and focus on virtual care and total experience to meet clinical and business demands.”
Yet, despite its potential to reduce costs and improve the care experience, virtual care implementation is among the top challenges for health systems. Research from Chartis found that only 13% of hospitals consider themselves ahead of the pace of change patients expect to see with regards to digital capabilities, and only 11% of health systems report being in the implementation phase of their personalized care and digital transformation journeys.
The promise of virtual care is enticing, but the path to unlocking its full ROI potential is fraught with complexities. Health systems face a multitude of hurdles when trying to integrate virtual care into their existing frameworks. To navigate this landscape effectively, four essential questions emerge for health systems to ensure both the quality and affordability of their virtual care delivery platform.
Do We Have an Efficient Patient Onboarding Strategy?
The success of any virtual care program hinges on how seamlessly patients can transition from traditional in-person visits to virtual appointments. An efficient patient onboarding strategy is essential to ensure that patients can navigate the technology comfortably and receive the necessary support. A well-designed, comprehensive onboarding list that addresses common questions and concerns patients might have can make a significant difference in streamlining this process.
This list should include step-by-step instructions on how to access virtual appointments, troubleshoot common technical issues and reach out for assistance. Ensuring that patients are comfortable with the technology can reduce the likelihood of missed appointments or frustrating experiences that might deter them from further virtual care interactions.
Are We Minimizing Data Entry Redundancy?
One of the hidden costs in healthcare administration is the redundancy of data entry. Often, healthcare providers find themselves entering the same information into multiple systems. In addition to increased workload, errors, inefficiencies, the lack of interoperability leads to clinician burden and frustration when providers can’t easily locate or transfer clinical data. In the context of virtual care delivery, data entry redundancy can hinder the cost-saving potential of the model. To ensure affordable virtual care delivery, health systems must critically evaluate their data management processes.
Integrated EHR systems that seamlessly connect patient data across various touchpoints can be a game-changer. When virtual care encounters are seamlessly integrated into the patient’s comprehensive health record, healthcare providers can access a holistic view of the patient’s medical history. This eliminates the need for duplicative data entry, reduces the risk of errors caused by manual input and deepens care providers’ understanding of patients and their needs, leading to better health outcomes overall.
Are We Leveraging Interoperable Platforms?
Incorporating virtual care into an existing healthcare ecosystem requires careful consideration of interoperability. Health systems often utilize a combination of software and tools, each serving different purposes. However, if these tools don’t communicate effectively with one another, the result can be fragmentation and inefficiencies. A frequently referenced industry study found that a lack of interoperability costs U.S. health systems over $30 billion annually.
Investing in interoperable platforms that can seamlessly integrate with existing technology stacks is crucial, particularly when aiming to provide affordable virtual care without compromising quality of service. These platforms should allow for smooth data sharing between different departments, healthcare providers and systems. When patient information flows seamlessly, healthcare providers can make informed decisions, reduce redundant tasks and enhance patient care.
Are We Embracing Telehealth Regulation and Reimbursement Changes?
In the rapidly evolving landscape of virtual care, keeping abreast of telehealth regulations is paramount, and health systems must stay informed to ensure compliance and optimize reimbursement.
Health systems should actively monitor changes in telehealth regulations at the federal and state levels. Understanding the nuances of reimbursement policies and staying aligned with them can significantly impact the affordability of virtual care. Staying ahead of these changes is vital to ensure that the financial aspects of virtual care delivery remain sustainable.
In the coming years, the hybrid nature of healthcare delivery will continue to become the norm as health systems balance workforce shortages with rising costs. Those systems that strategically incorporate virtual care will be better positioned to navigate workforce challenges and financial constraints, ultimately delivering exceptional care to patients without breaking the bank.
About Dr. Brad Younggren
Dr. Brad Younggren is the Chief Medical Officer and President of Care Innovation at 98point6 Technologies, a position he has held since 2017. He has more than 20 years of clinical and leadership experience, previously serving as Chief Medical Officer at Cue Health along with a number of other roles. In addition to serving as CMO of 98point6 Technologies, Dr. Younggren is the medical director of emergency preparedness and trauma at EvergreenHealth, where he still works shifts as an ER physician. He received his BA from UCLA and his medical degree from the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences. He also earned a Bronze Star as well as the Combat Medic Badge for his service in Iraq as a United States Army physician.