COVID-19 has impacted the healthcare sector strongly and is continuing to change the dynamics completely as governments and healthcare professionals are urging people to maintain distance and avoid non-urgent trips to the hospital facility and the clinics. Amidst the spread of the virus, doctors are trying their best to diagnose and treat patients through remote care options. Healthcare providers are stressed about remote requirements and supply chain.
The good news is that telemedicine EMR software is providing new ways of solution for providers to maintain their operations in a period where everything remains tentative. The telemedicine platform is seen as an effective way to provide care to patients from the comfort of their homes and helping providers to earn a steady revenue stream.
The impact of Covid-19 on the US healthcare sector
The pandemic has pushed providers and healthcare sectors to adapt to new models of care to keep the disruptions at bay caused by COVID-19. In the US healthcare industry, there is an increased demand for masks, testing kits, and protective equipment for patients which has strained supply chains. Cases are continuing to grow as the second wave of the virus escalates and worldwide the United Nations estimates that the pandemic could cost the global economy $1 trillion and the impact can be doubled if things get out of hand. Furthermore, doctors and hospital administration are still struggling to protect themselves and staff members from the virus because front-line doctors are at the most risk to catch the virus. There was also a shortage of protective gear, gloves, and masks for healthcare providers. The American Hospital Association estimates that hospitals in America suffered more than $202 billion in losses from March to June.
How is telemedicine helping to reverse the effects of COVID-19?
The HIPAA compliant features and video conferencing capabilities have provided a window of opportunity for physicians to provide care to their patients from the comfort of their homes without having to put their life at stake. Let’s see how the robust telemedicine EMR software has helped the healthcare sector in these tough times.
- Reaching out to more population segments promptly.
- Reducing the strain on hospital systems that were struggling with overcapacity of patients.
- Telemedicine has helped to protect everyone by keeping sure care can be given and received without having to expose parties involved.
- Telemedicine is used in the triage of patients long before they arrive at the primary care hospitals and clinics.
- The solution offers a round-the-clock lifeline for patients to seamlessly connect with their healthcare provider which is a source of great comfort in these difficult times.
- Patients with underlying health conditions can use video visits for ongoing care avoiding exposure to the virus.
Moving ahead
Hospitals in the United States are expanding their telemedicine services and also finding out new ways to train staff members in less time. Training can be a great obstacle for healthcare organizations however, many telemedicine EMR software vendors offer robust training to help users launch the software and make sure everyone is on the same page when using the software system. Telemedicine has provided a solution to reach patients remotely and also enhance overall patient outcome levels.
