Telehealth makes it possible for patients to consult with a healthcare provider (HCP) through a phone or video call. This ability to sit down on their own time, in any location, and talk to a trusted HCP ensures millions of patients have access to health care services. The ease of accessibility has led to more patients seeking out virtual professional medical advice and recommendations. This system removes a substantial barrier to seeking out a professional opinion in areas with low access to care or for patients with disabilities. According to a survey conducted on behalf of the company “hims & hers,” only 10% of Americans had ever used telehealth before June 2019. By April 2020, this number had increased to 29%. It was reported that 54% of Americans utilized telehealth services in 2024. Among these Americans who utilize telehealth, 89% reported that they were satisfied with their most recent visit. Most healthcare plans have coverage for telehealth appointments, but barriers may include limited Wi-Fi access, low technology literacy, or financial constraints. For those who can utilize telehealth, they can connect with a wide range of HCPs, such as PCPs, specialists, nurse practitioners, therapists, pharmacists, dieticians, and others.
So, what will telehealth look like in the near future?
That question is hard to answer, but analysts from Grand View Research project the market will grow by 24% yearly until 2030. Currently there are “hospital at home” programs, which allow patients with acute conditions to receive care without leaving their home. It has reduced the cost of care by 30% by keeping patients out of the hospital. Newer programs offered by the Mayo Clinic take it one step further by creating a system for patients that requires extended monitoring and care. Their system is called “Advanced Care at Home” and offers hospital-level care by combining virtual and in-home services. Enrolled patients receive 24/7 care including virtual visits with their care team, remote monitoring of vital signs, virtual medication management, education, and in-person services.
With constant new developments in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and more HCPs becoming increasingly comfortable practicing through a screen, telehealth could continue to grow. Health plans could start incentivizing the use of apps or services that share real-time data with a patient’s HCP. This already occurs for patients utilizing continuous glucose monitors for diabetes management, so why couldn’t a similar system be developed for other disease states? Health Plans could start providing “remote healthcare kits” that contain electronic stethoscopes, medical grade EKGs that utilize AI algorithms to recognize irregular heart rhythms, digital thermometers, otoscopes, and/or pulse oximeters. Access to these devices would lead to patients virtually being able to get a complete physical or follow-up appointment from their own home. These kits are already being produced, are available for purchase, and are compatible with most telehealth providers, such as American Well and TelaDoc. Patient acceptance of these practices and knowledge on correctly using the devices remain the biggest barriers. Patients would need to be trained on how to properly use these tools, or someone who already has this education would need to be sent to help the patient. Patient education on these tools could be done through virtual courses, but health plans would need some type of incentive to get patients on board. Other services, such as X-rays, ultrasounds, and blood work screenings, are also in development for use in mobile labs, which then could transmit data to a patient’s HCP instantly. There are still barriers to telehealth becoming more prevalent than in-person visits, but could this balance switch by 2035? If the answer to this question is yes, what’s stopping telehealth from becoming the norm for a whole array of medical, pharmaceutical, and physiological care services?
Telehealth will also undoubtedly have an impact on the traditional brick-and-mortar pharmacy, and it will be up to individual stores to navigate this evolving landscape and plan for the future. Pharmacies need to start developing or improving their own virtual care systems. This can include virtual medication management, consultations, check-out, and reminders to take medication. All of these services will help pharmacies not only retain customers but also gain more customers looking for a streamlined pharmaceutical process. This would cut down on patients waiting in line at the pharmacy and give them access to care at the click of a button. These types of innovations and forward thinking will be needed by retail pharmacies to compete against the growing pharmacy mail order platforms in this dynamic industry.
It is unlikely that in-person visits become totally obsolete. No matter how advanced and interactive telehealth becomes, some procedures and checkups will always need a hands-on approach. Complicated or serious disease states also may require in person monitoring or check-ins. Some patients may lack the technology, know-how, or access to reliable internet, which would prevent them from using online services. Other patients may just prefer the more personal interaction of going to see their doctor face to face. Where do you see telehealth progressing in the next 5 years?
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