How Ascension Health Care is Transforming Patient Care Through Telehealth

The Rise of Telehealth

Telehealth has emerged as a promising solution to improve healthcare access and delivery, particularly in remote or underserved areas. With advancements in technology and increased adoption of digital devices, telehealth has become a valuable tool for patients and providers alike. Ascension Health Care, one of the largest non-profit healthcare systems in the United States, has embraced telehealth as a way to enhance patient care and address healthcare disparities.

The Benefits of Telehealth

Telehealth enables patients to seek medical care remotely, reducing the need for in-person visits and minimizing the risk of exposure to contagious diseases. Moreover, telehealth provides easier access to specialists, medical experts, and mental health providers, which can otherwise be difficult in rural or isolated areas. Ascension’s telehealth services include virtual visits, remote monitoring, and home-based care, covering a range of medical specialties and conditions.

Ascension’s Telehealth Initiatives

Ascension Health Care has been a pioneer in telehealth, leveraging technology to deliver high-quality care to patients across its network. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Ascension rapidly expanded its telehealth offerings, resulting in over 1 million virtual visits in 2020 alone. This enabled patients to receive appropriate care while staying safe at home.

Ascension has also partnered with companies like Tyto Care and Google Health to offer remote diagnostic and monitoring tools for patients. With Tyto Care’s handheld exam kit, patients can perform routine examinations at home, and doctors can remotely monitor vital signs and assess symptoms. Google Health’s Care Studio platform enables providers to access patient data in real-time, facilitating coordinated care and reducing duplication of services.

The Future of Telehealth

Telehealth has emerged as a critical component of modern healthcare, with numerous benefits for patients, providers, and payers. Ascension’s telehealth initiatives have demonstrated the immense potential of this technology to transform healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes. However, there are still challenges to be addressed, such as regulatory and reimbursement barriers, and the need for robust infrastructure and data security.

As healthcare continues to evolve, telehealth is likely to play an even more significant role in how care is delivered. With its commitment to innovation and patient-centered care, Ascension Health Care is well-positioned to lead the way in this exciting new era of healthcare delivery.

The Bottom Line

Telehealth is transforming patient care, and Ascension Health Care is at the forefront of this revolution. With its innovative telehealth initiatives, Ascension is improving healthcare access and delivery, enhancing patient outcomes, and empowering patients to take control of their health. As technology continues to evolve, telehealth is likely to become even more critical in how we approach healthcare, and Ascension is well-prepared to meet this challenge head-on.