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In 2016, nearly 2.3 million Medicare beneficiaries we discharged from the hospital with home health referrals, yet only 54% ever utilized home health services1. For the patients who do not use such services, after returning home, they often feel fine until their condition deteriorates, resulting in readmission, institutionalization, or even death. Several factors contribute to the underutilization of home health, such as incorrect or incomplete data, lack of patient education on the difference between non-medical and home health care services, or the distrust of an unfamiliar person in their home.  Despite patients failing to receive home healthcare, it significantly reduces readmissions [...]

In 2020, the number of individuals over 60 surpassed the number of children under five for the first time in history[1]as lifespans increase to over 70 in many countries. In the US, people live longer, with an average life expectancy of 77.8 years in 2020[2]predicted to increase to 85.6 by 2060[3]. As of 2020, 56 million US people were ages 65 or older, expected to increase to 84 million people by 2040[4]. Chronic conditions are already prevalent in the US, with more than 85% of seniors over 65 having at least one chronic condition[5]. At the same time, nearly half of [...]

By July 2020, 80% of healthcare providers had conducted telehealth visits[1], yet the majority of patients seen were under the age of 65[2]. Much of this is likely because, unlike the 65+ population, younger individuals are typically more technologically adept and able to navigate the devices and applications needed for a telehealth visit. The elderly population, while they stand to benefit significantly from telehealth (they are more susceptible to COVID-19, and 85.6% have at least one chronic condition[3]), they need additional support from healthcare providers to effectively make use of telehealth technology. Trends suggest that older populations are becoming more familiar [...]

When the pandemic began, many healthcare providers made the switch from in-person care to telehealth to reduce disease exposure. This was not a problem for many patients, especially when they had the means to facilitate virtual visits. Other patient demographics, like seniors, may be underrepresented by telehealth visits, however. It is startling to consider that half of people older than 65 living alone do not have the financial ability to cover essentials, let alone new devices or internet access needed for a telehealth visit[1]. Plus, more than one in three households lead by senior citizens lacked access to a computer, and [...]

Remote patient monitoring (RPM) is poised to change the way healthcare is delivered. Rather than physicians being provided with a limited snapshot into the health of their patients, RPM enables them to monitor health and symptoms continuously, even when the patient has left their office or been discharged after a hospital visit. While many healthcare specialties can benefit from the technology and insight into a patient’s condition that RPM provides, the public health crisis has enabled RPM to demonstrate its effectiveness in delivering wound care and improving health outcomes. Every year, Medicare estimates that between $28.1 billion and $96.8 million is [...]

Each year, $3.8 trillion is spent on healthcare services, with 90% of the cost attributable to the care of chronic conditions1. Of the national health expenditure, 21% or $799.4 billion was spent by Medicare alone2. This number is only anticipated to grow as “baby boomers” age and increase Medicare enrollment to more than 73 million individuals by 20303. The increase in a senior population creates more than just budgetary challenges, it will drastically increase the demand for specialized services that treat and manage chronic conditions that affect nearly 80% of older adults4. However, as the public health crisis has demonstrated, physicians [...]

Americans living in rural areas are disproportionately affected by the lack of quality healthcare service. With higher rates of preventable diseases and worse health outcomes than the 57 million Americans living in urban areas1. At the same time, rural physicians are challenged by workplace shortages and thin margins. To further compound this prevalent issue, in the past decade, 120 rural hospitals have closed. Of these, 39 were designated critical access hospitals, intended to keep essential services in rural areas3. These persistent issues can be solved through technology and the increase in home health. If COVID-19 has demonstrated anything, it was the [...]

COVID-19 imposed many challenges for the healthcare sector. Fears of contracting the virus led many patients to cancel in-person visits, generating large demand for telehealth and virtual care. While telehealth technologies are not new, they have long been discussed. However, the pandemic forced providers to quickly implement virtual care options to support the patient demand, advancing the use of this technology “seven years in the last seven months”1. This especially makes access to care easier for the older population that may prefer to receive care at home. In a study, 60% of patients report the desire to continue receiving healthcare through [...]

As we mark American Heart Month this February, a combination of virtual care and monitoring technology enables CHF patients to stay connected to care in the comfort and safety of their own homes. Home is where the heart is – it’s also the place we usually feel most comfortable, which can be a boon to the healing process. And being at home instead of the hospital reduces the risk of infections and dramatically reduces cost. Linking Home and Hospital At the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center (UPMC), a team of physicians has been working with remote patient monitoring and telehealth to [...]

Getting a diagnosis of congestive heart failure (CHF) is difficult and often alarming, but the good news is that people can live happy, fulfilling lives in spite of it. If you’re bringing home a family member who’s been discharged from the hospital after a CHF diagnosis, it can feel like a huge responsibility to take on. But you’re not alone. Over 5 million people live with CHF, many of whom are able to be at home relying on family members as caregivers. And with the procedures doctors have honed over time, combined with new technologies like remote patient monitoring and video [...]