Patient-centered care & Interoperability expected to help telemedicine services

Telemedicine services executives claim that they are optimistic about the future of the industry and are planning near-term investments to keep pace with quick transformation and growth.

The findings of survey indicate that 83% of respondents to a survey sponsored by the American Telemedicine Association say they are planning to invest in telehealth services.

Although, top issues still remain for the technology, which has been attempting to achieve widespread adoption within healthcare for twenty years. Respondents noted reimbursement and licensure remain top obstacles to increased telemedicine services adoption.

However, advances in patient-centered healthcare and improved interoperability of electronic health records (EHRs) are advancing acceptance of the technology, respondents claim.

The report from the ATA’s executive leadership survey is deployed on 171 respondents in executive leadership roles representing telehealth service providers, healthcare practices and hospital systems.

“This executive leadership survey assures undeniably today’s leaders view telemedicine as a key driver in transforming healthcare,” stated Jonathan Linkous, CEO, American Telemedicine Association. “I anticipate remarkable progress in the market as we sustain to move toward more patient-centered solutions.”

Other significant findings involve:

• 88% of respondents plan to invest in technology related to telehealth this year.


• 98% of leaders say they consider telehealth services develop a competitive advantage over other agencies that don’t offer it.


• 84% of respondents believe offering telehealth services strongly expand an organization’s coverage and reach.


• About half of respondents consider increasing consumer demand will be the key trend that will propel the progress of the telehealth market in the next 3 years.