Telehealth definitely spiked during the pandemic, which bread advancements out of necessity. On regional expert says there are still challenges for more widespread use of the technologies that allow people to get care without having to go to the doctor or clinic. In the future she sees more collaboration and possibly the use of AI and augmented reality.
Danielle Louder, Program Director for the Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (NETRC), spoke with WAER's Kat Kollins. She shed light on the evolution and challenges of telehealth, especially in rural and underserved areas. NETRC, funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), aims to improve healthcare accessibility through telehealth in the Northeast.
The Growth of Telehealth
Reflecting on the past decade, Louder noted, “We were doing telehealth very successfully across many different use cases even before the COVID-19 pandemic hit. However, we have seen the largest shift in innovation, the number, and types of use cases during the pandemic.”
The pandemic accelerated telehealth adoption, prompting rapid innovation and widespread implementation. Louder emphasized that the pandemic pushed healthcare providers to get creative "literally overnight" to ensure continued patient care without unnecessary in-person interactions. This shift led to “a massive growth in telehealth policy” and strategic integration of digital health strategies in healthcare systems.
Challenges in Telehealth Implementation
Despite these advancements, Louder highlighted several challenges. One significant barrier is the limited resources available to plan and implement effective telehealth programs. "It takes time, resources, and personnel to plan and implement a successful program," she explained. While the influx of resources from agencies like HRSA has been beneficial, more investment is still needed.
Another challenge is the complexity of telehealth policy. “Even though we’ve seen a major expansion...there’s still a lot of complexity with telehealth policy,” Louder said. The constantly changing landscape of telehealth regulations and reimbursement policies adds to the difficulty for providers. "If you know one state's telehealth policy, you know one state's telehealth policy," she added, highlighting the variability across states.
Adequate and affordable connectivity remains a significant hurdle. Many rural and underserved communities lack the necessary broadband infrastructure for successful telehealth visits. “There are unprecedented funds and resources going into broadband expansion...but there’s still quite a bit of work to do,” Louder noted.
NETRC’s Role in Education and Training
Education and training are crucial components of NETRC’s mission. Louder emphasized the importance of making providers feel confident with telehealth technology. “The technology is the lightest part of the lift,” she said, underscoring the need for solid education and training. NETRC offers tailored training programs based on specific needs, from mental health consultations to acute care scenarios like telestroke consultations.
NETRC also addresses the disparity in reimbursement rates for telehealth services, a concern for some providers. “We have a revenue cycle management expert on our team to help folks understand the different nuances,” she said, urging providers to reach out for assistance with billing and coding complexities.
Future Trends and Innovations
Looking ahead, Louder is optimistic about the future of telehealth. She highlighted the growing collaboration between technology designers and end-users, leading to more effective solutions. “The solutions are going to continue to become more innovative because they are solving for particular solutions like social determinants of health,” she said.
Louder also sees the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and augmented reality (AR) as significant future trends. These technologies can help in remote patient monitoring and training providers, addressing workforce shortages and enhancing the quality of care. “Using these tools in a confidential and safe way...is going to have a huge impact,” she predicted.
Commitment to Equity and Inclusion
Louder also touched on the importance of digital equity and inclusion. "Digital equity and inclusion have come to the forefront," she said, noting that telehealth can exacerbate inequities if not implemented correctly. NETRC’s training incorporates these considerations to ensure telehealth solutions promote equity.
Louder further emphasized the importance of ongoing collaboration and innovation in telehealth. She explained that NETRC remains committed to supporting providers, policymakers, and patients in navigating the evolving telehealth landscape. "If we don’t know the answer to the question, we know where to find it," she assured, inviting stakeholders to reach out for assistance in leveraging telehealth effectively.
For more information, or to seek assistance from NETRC, visit their website at Northeast Telehealth Resource Center (netrc.org) or contact them directly:
Northeast Telehealth Resource Center
105 2nd Street
Suite 2a
Hallowell, Maine 04347
Phone: 800-379-2021
Email: netrc@mcd.org
