If you are new to the world of telehealth you are not alone. The platform which allows for patients to get medical attention virtually has been steadily growing over the last five years but got an un-expected boost in 2020. Mostly, this is due to the coronavirus as doctors and other medical professionals had to adjust to government-enforced shutdowns and limited traveling. Those who needed in-person care were accommodate but if patients could be helped virtually, that became the preferred option for medical professionals as well as their patients. Sites that provide virtual meeting options have blown up in popularity with new subscriptions.

Telehealth was already on a steady decline but there’s no denying that the coronavirus pandemic has certainly given it a powerful surge in popularity. However, what can we expect from digital healthcare as we head into 2021 and beyond? Will the new format continue, or will it go away once the country moves from the virus and its dangers? Most believe that telehealth is actually here to stay. There will be a reduction in use as is to be expected. However, the new technology and platforms have become a popular option for people who have a busy schedule as well as doctors and medical facilities as well.

Being able to schedule meetings online and handle patient care has actually opened up a new avenue for healthcare professionals. Virtual meetings are usually shorter for patients as far as wait time and doctors are able to see more people during the day. The increase in care and the decrease in wait time are benefits that both sides can be happy with. Eventually, we could see where doctors are scheduling appointments in mornings and doing only virtual appointments in afternoons or vice versa. Being able to assist patients digitally can also improve the quality of care in some cases as people can ask questions directly to their doctor rather than having messages relayed through nurses and other office personnel.

Ideally, anything that will lower costs and improve care should always be at the forefront of new opportunities in the medical field. It’s been years since the new options were created but 2020 has certainly given medical professionals and their patients motivation to embrace these options and make them more of the norm.