Digital Transformation Revolutionizing US Healthcare: A Prescription for Change

The views expressed are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ASPA as an organization.

By Muhammad Atique
June 28, 2024

Summary

The ongoing digital transformation in the United States healthcare system holds the promise of increasing accessibility, improving patient outcome and enhancing operational efficiencies

Introduction

The digital transformation of the United States healthcare system is not just on the horizon; it is already underway. This new-aged shift toward a technology-driven healthcare landscape has the potential to transform patient care and reshape the industry as a whole.

Today, we’ll look at how advancements in telehealth services, digital payments, health wearables and remote monitoring, artificial intelligence (AI), big data analytics, emerging technologies and regulatory changes collectively steer the healthcare industry toward a revolution.

Telehealth Revolutionizes Access and Convenience

Telehealth services are a critical driver of healthcare’s digital transformation, and the COVID-19 pandemic has hastened their adoption. Patients can now access healthcare from the comfort of their own homes, rendering geographical barriers obsolete. Following COVID, the momentum behind telehealth has remained strong, with both patients and healthcare providers continuing to see its benefits.

The benefits for patients are evident in the increased accessibility, convenience and reduced travel expenses. Additionally, telehealth enables providers to extend their reach to underserved populations and offers a lifeline during public health emergencies without the restraint of distance.

Example: Electronic health records have enabled the digitization of patients’ records. You don’t need to carry your reports everywhere. You just need to provide your information and the health care worker will get all your records through the HER system.

The Convenience of Advanced Booking

Many Americans have experienced the convenience of booking appointments with healthcare providers online. It’s a seamless process, whether you’re scheduling an appointment with your primary care physician or a specialist. This advancement allows you to choose a date and time that suits your schedule, reducing the time spent waiting for medical care. Whether you prefer going to a public or private hospital, booking in advance is equally convenient.

U.S. Health Insurance System and Payment Methods

In the complex landscape of the United States healthcare system, affordability often hinges on health insurance, which plays a significant role. When it comes to paying for healthcare services, Americans employ a diverse array of payment methods, including insurance and out-of-pocket payments.

Among these, digital payment methods, such as credit cards and various forms of “plastic money,” are frequently chosen to settle medical bills. This preference for digital payments underscores the ongoing digitization of financial transactions within the healthcare sector, streamlining transactions and offering patients a quick and hassle-free payment experience.

Example: Apps such as Medcorder and Zocdoc, have helped in accessing a doctor online. With the availability of this option a U.S citizen gets to spend from $466 to $1109 annually on health insurance. However, using these apps tends to be more useful in urban areas as compared to more rural.

Early Detection with Health Wearables and Remote Monitoring

Health wearables and remote monitoring devices are changing how patients manage their health. From smartwatches that track vital signs to wearable glucose monitors, these devices empower patients to take control of their health. They also enable early detection of health issues, ensuring timely intervention, identifying trends and helping healthcare providers and the patients to make informed decisions.

Example: Having a wearable device as a diabetes patient helps to monitor vital signs remotely. You are able to use continuous glucose monitors that send real-time data to healthcare providers, allowing early intervention.

Artificial Intelligence and Big Data Analytics

Artificial intelligence (AI) and big data analytics are revolutionizing healthcare diagnostics and treatment. The healthcare industry generates a huge amount of data daily. Big data analytics plays a crucial role in extracting insights and will help to improve population health management. These technologies can analyze vast amounts of medical data, leading to faster and more accurate diagnoses.

AI is helping healthcare by enhancing diagnostics, optimizing operational processes and personalizing treatment plans. It helps to analyze different data to identify trends and patterns, aiding in disease detection and treatment planning. AI tools contribute to administrative efficiency, such as improving the accuracy of medical documentation and automating routine tasks.

Example: AI is used in many hospitals for medical imaging interpretation, diagnostic decision-making and pathology analysis.

Emerging Technologies and Innovations

Blockchain and virtual reality emerge as two transformative innovations primed and ready to redefine the healthcare industry. On the one hand, blockchain introduces a secure and immutable avenue for storing and sharing medical records, promising enhanced data integrity and patient privacy. Meanwhile, virtual reality opens new dimensions in therapy, training and even surgery, offering a realm of possibilities to improve patient care.

Conclusion

The use of AI, data analytics and digital payment has improved the delivery of healthcare services. The digital transformation of the U.S. healthcare system is not just a trend but a crucial shift that will shape the future of healthcare.

While the potential benefits are immense, challenges surrounding privacy, security and regulatory compliance remain. It is incumbent upon healthcare stakeholders to embrace this transformation and navigate its complexities effectively. In doing so, we can improve patient outcomes, enhance healthcare delivery and secure a healthier future for all. The prescription for change is now in our hands.

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Author: Muhammad Atique is an independent researcher, visiting lecturer and fellow of Higher Education Academy- UK . His areas of research include technology adoption, digital government, and digital transformation. He received his PhD in Digital Government from Huazhong University of Science and Technology, China. He can be reached at [email protected].

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