The covid-19 pandemic ignited new approaches in all industries, pushing them to try new ways to best meet evolving needs of consumers.
Virtual healthcare or telehealth skyrocketed specifically, from 11% of US consumers using telehealth in 2019 to 46% using telehealth after the pandemic.
This advancement proved the value of accessible and affordable care provided through telehealth. The popularity of virtual health care can be credited to the following factors:
- Greater access to healthcare
- Consumer acceptance and willingness to use telehealth during the pandemic
- Medical professionals’ willingness to provide healthcare virtually.
Why Virtual Healthcare is in Demand
Pandemic or not, virtual healthcare has provided the accessibility and convenience that the healthcare industry needed the most.
Today, people prefer to schedule online appointments rather than leave their homes. It has also decreased the average waiting time of an appointment, as physicians can be available on demand
Other factors proving telehealth is here to stay, include:
- It has provided relief from crowded waiting rooms, long queues, and rushed appointments at the clinic.
- Digital payment options and contactless services have made it easy for patients without health insurance.
- Access to health care in rural areas where many essential facilities and specialties were unavailable.
- No break from work is required to visit your doctor.
- Less transportation cost, value for money
- Improved access for people with mental health problems.
- Consumer and providers’ positive attitude towards telehealth
Greater Investment in Telehealth
It is evident that no technology accelerated rapidly during the pandemic as telehealth.
According to McKinsey’s analysis, telehealth usage increased 38 times from before the Covid-19 pandemic.
This doesn’t end there as the change was accepted by consumers and providers alike, and the level of investment also spiked.
According to a recent study, the first half of 2021 saw almost $14.7 billion in investment in telehealth, slightly more than the investment in 2020 ($14.6 billion) and double from 2019 ($7.7 billion).
Want to Schedule an Online Appointment? Choose the Best in Town
Covid-19 has changed our lives in a million ways, and telehealth’s popularity is among many innovations.
If you need medical assistance and are looking for a virtual doctor, consider the best in town for your health care needs.
At FastDocNow, we provide online healthcare services for various conditions. Call today!