The future of Telehealth

Those who invest in telehealth companies should be aware that the rules are about to change again.

Personally, I used telehealth when it was covered by insurance. I liked the conveniece of being able to consult with a doctor and get an antibiotic without schlepping into a doctor’s office when feeling sick.

Telehealth is a great benefit for people who are less mobile. Also for people living in rural areas with few medical specialists (including mental health). The problem with rural telehealth users is the shortage of high-speed internet. They can speak with doctors over the phone but rules are needed to prevent overprescribing of painkillers.

Teladoc stock shows the incredible boom and bust in the stock price during the pandemic. It rose from about $60 a share to almost $300 a share and then dropped. It’s currently $24 a share.

https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=teladoc+stock

I think that telemedicine is beneficial for patients and should be encouraged.

Following the House passage of the Advancing Telehealth Beyond COVID-19 Act of 2021 (HR 4040), pandemic-era telehealth flexibilities will be extended through 2024. Medicare still covers telehealth.

Wendy

7 Likes

In the context that “time is money”, the amount of wasted time getting to/from doctor’s offices and waiting in the office for the doctor to show up - multiplied by the population of the US is one heck of a pile. I don’t have to go to the office for a pre-colonoscopy meeting or to get test results of a test. Sure, there are plenty of reasons to have the doctor and you in the same place at the same time - but also plenty when it’s not a requirement.

Jeff

3 Likes