The Future of Telehealthand the Continuum of Care

2014 Florida Telehealth SummitThe Alfond Inn, Winter Park, FL

Paula Guy, CEOGlobal Partnership for TeleHealth

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Imagine a future that would begin with a “digital nervous system”:

• Inconspicuous wireless sensors worn on your body and placed in your home would continuously monitor your vital signs and track the daily activities that affect your health, counting the number of steps you take and the quantity and quality of food you eat.

• Wristbands would measure your levels of arousal, attention and anxiety.

• Bandages would monitor cuts for infection. Your bathroom mirror would calculate your heart rate, blood pressure and oxygen level.

Financial Predictions:

• RNCOS Business Consultancy Services has just released a report predicting 18.5 percent annual growth in telehealth worldwide through 2018.

• The U.S. will outpace the rest of the world.

• Forbes contributor Bruce Japsen recently interviewed an analyst at another market research firm, IHS, who predicts that the U.S. telehealth market will grow to $1.9 billion in 2018 from $240 million today, an annual growth rate of 56 percent.

Forbes DEC 28, 2013

Future Trends:

• Technology Driven Revolution

• Consumer demand will cause telehealthto become “main street” health care.

• Government support & funding will continue to increase.

• Multi Nationalism

Technology driven revolution

…

Consumer Demand

Over the past 15 years study after study has documented patient satisfaction and support for telehealth services. Such services offer patients the access to providers that might not be available otherwise, as well as medical services without the need to travel long distances.

Increasing momentum for government support and funding

CMS is adding the following services to the list of Medicare telehealth services for CY 2014:

CPT code 99495: Transitional care management services with the following required elements: communication (direct contact, telephone, electronic) with the patient and/or caregiver within 2 business days of discharge; medical decision making of at least moderate complexity during the service period; face-to-face visit within 14 calendar days of discharge.

CPT Code 99496: Transitional care management services with the following required elements: communication (direct contact, telephone, electronic) with the patient and/or caregiver within 2 business days of discharge; medical decision making of high complexity during the service; period face-to-face visit within 7 calendar days of discharge.

This policy will allow the required face-to-face visit component of both services to be furnished through telehealth.

Multi Nationalism

Telehealth drives collaboration around the world:

• Increased business opportunities

• Increased Mission opportunities

I am your future

Paula Guy, CEOpaula.guy@gatelehealth.org

www.gatelehealth.org

References

• http://www.americantelemed.org/news-landing/2013/01/08/ata-ceo-7-market-trends-shaping-the-future-of-telemedicine

• http://www.beckershospitalreview.com/healthcare-information-technology/3-future-trends-for-telehealth.html

• http://www.forbes.com/sites/theapothecary/2013/12/28/top-health-trend-for-2014-telehealth-to-grow-over-50-what-role-for-regulation/

• http://ehrintelligence.com/2013/12/19/five-key-trends-for-mhealth-and-telehealth-in-2014/

• http://www.nytimes.com/2011/11/10/opinion/our-high-tech-health-care-future.html?_r=0