The evolution of the Telemedicine is traced from its onset in the 1960s. Telemedicine developed as a concept of healthcare delivery to fulfill the needs of NASA and the Nebraska Psychology Institute, according to a paper written by researchers from Saint Louis University and Bentley University and published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health.
Though the telemedicine was adopted in western countries, financial, regulatory and technological challenges have made it difficult to advance telemedicine adoption. However, the current pandemic situation continues to impact hospital visits, and the new healthcare reforms have made telemedicine the safest virtual visit between doctors and patients (both infected and uninfected)
Telemedicine today plays a massive role in strengthening and transforming healthcare organizations around the world. Healthcare organizations are now hoping that telemedicine would allow rural areas around the globe receive access to better healthcare services. In most recent times, healthcare reforms have pushed forward the adoption of telemedicine, and other technological advancements like EHR systems and remote monitoring systems. The stats in this article explain how the healthcare ecosystem is realizing the importance of telemedicine in the next-generation healthcare technology.
We’ll now go over all of the newest telemedicine statistics from around the world:
41%–42% of U.S. adults reported they delayed or avoided seeking in-person care during the pandemic because of concerns about COVID-19.
Nearly 75% of all doctors, urgent care, and ER visits are either unnecessary or could be handled safely and effectively over the phone or video (American Medical Association).
Telemedicine saves patients over 100 minutes of their time compared to an in-person visit, and they can conduct each appointment in the comfort of their own home. (Medical Economics)
People over the age of 50 are getting more comfortable with telehealth. One in four over 50 had a telehealth visit during the first three months of the pandemic, compared to 4% in 2019 (Healthcare Finance).
Medicare primary care visits conducted virtually have increased 350-fold to 43.5% from a pre-pandemic level of just over 0.1% (HHS).
41% of Gen Z patients prefer digital or virtual experiences with medical professionals. (Becker’s Hospital Review)
83% of patients expect to use telemedicine after the pandemic resolves. (Medical Economics)
Patient adoption at the beginning of 2020 was up 33% over the previous year, while funding has been booming and the market is expected to reach $185.6 billion by 2026.
76% of U.S. hospitals already have a telehealth program connecting medical practitioners with patients through video and other technologies (American Hospital Association).
55% of respondents said they were willing to use telehealth with a doctor they do not yet know. (Patient Engagement HIT)
69% of patients said easy-to-use technology would encourage them to book a telemedicine appointment. (Medical Economics)
84% of telehealth visits result in patients’ concerns being fully addressed and resolved (American Well).
The telemedicine market is the maximum potential eHealth segment in India, which is expected to touch $5.4 Bn by 2025, according to Inc42 Plus.
91% of patients agree that telemedicine would help them adhere to appointments and manage prescription refills. (Doctor.com)
62% of consumers would prefer a virtual visit for their regular mental health visits, even after it is safe to visit a doctor’s office in person (Amwell).
All of these statistics is a clear indication that use of telemedicine is exponentially increasing. The Time-saving and technological advances are driving this increase in usage of virtual visits. If you haven’t implemented a telemedicine solution that fits your clinic or a hospital, we are here to help!