4 Reasons Telemedicine Will Trend Upward in 2015

Telemedicine may be one of the biggest digital health trends we will see in 2015.

Why? Well for a number of reasons. But here are the four most prominent.

1. Faster internet connections and better software will provide a better video chat experience than before.

2. With mobile devices, patients can consult a doctor from anywhere.

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3. The adoption of electronic health records makes it easier for doctors to access patient records.

4. Patients are comfortable with asynchronous messaging, which can be more time-efficient for doctors.

From the provider’s perspective, telemedicine has the potential to save money and make better use of time. And from a patient’s perspective, telemedicine means shorter wait times and ease of access.  

While the youth would seem most likely to use technology for health care, telemedicine could also have a major impact on the older generation as they are more likely to have difficulty traveling to see a doctor in person.

In the last few years, more and more patients have increasingly looked to retail pharmacies in their neighborhoods for routine health care services because it’s more convenient than visiting their doctor. The logical next step is that they won’t have to leave their homes at all. This is where telemedicine comes in.

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Thanks to startups like Doctors on Demand, Medicast and Twine Health, consumers are already being allowed direct access to doctors through their smartphones. In the future, providers may partner with platforms such as these to connect their doctors with patients.

Additionally, these apps could be offered through employers or insurance companies to help reduce costs or improve the quality of care.

Telemedicine has the capability to not only become an investment opportunity, but a trend that can improve the doctor-patient relationship as well. 

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