Unlocking Telehealth: The Future of Remote Healthcare Exams

Ever since COVID-19 about four years ago, the utilization of telehealth services has surged. However, surprisingly, a significant number of individuals have yet to try them for themselves.

Current Stats

The CDC found that in 2021, only 37.0% of adults used telemedicine in the past 12 months. They also found that usage increases with age.

When the AARP surveyed 50+ year olds, they found that about a third are extremely interested in trying out telehealth, and only half have actually used telehealth services within the past two years.

Barriers for use

So, what exactly is holding us back? It appears that concerns about the quality of care during telehealth visits are the number one barrier, followed by fear of medical error.

 

A solution is within reach

Here’s the exciting part – we may already have a solution readily available to us. I recently acquired a device called Tytocare for my own family. This remarkable device enables doctors to remotely examine various areas such as the throat, lungs, and ears, facilitating thorough medical evaluations and subsequent treatment.

This device and others, like the Nonagon Care have received FDA clearance and have been available in the market for several years. This begs the question – why aren’t they considered essential household items? Why do we continue to endure the inconvenience of waiting rooms and risk catching something on top of what we already have?

Interestingly, some medical alert companies offer similar devices to their clients. In emergency situations, they may request individuals to check their own vitals and transmit the data to a call center for assessment, thereby providing invaluable insights for remote care.

So, here’s the burning question – why aren’t remote medical examination devices a part of the core offering from healthcare providers in 2024?

I’d love to hear your thoughts on this.