The Evolution of Telehealth: From Pandemic Darling to Industry Shake-Up

The Rise and Fall of Telehealth: What’s Next for the Industry

Telehealth was once hailed as the savior of the healthcare industry during the pandemic, providing a lifeline for patients and providers alike when in-person care was no longer an option. However, as the world slowly returns to normal, the once-booming telehealth sector is facing a reckoning.

Major players like UnitedHealth Group, Amwell, and Teladoc are now scaling back or shutting down their telehealth offerings as demand wanes. Stock prices have plummeted, with some companies seeing a more than 50% decline in value over the past year.

But according to experts, this doesn’t mean the end of telehealth. Owen Tripp, CEO of Included Health, believes that “Telehealth 1.0 is dead,” but sees this as an opportunity for new and innovative solutions to emerge.

Included Health has launched a specialty virtual care strategy that aims to address the shortcomings of traditional telehealth by providing long-term health monitoring and continuity of care. Tripp emphasizes the importance of connecting different aspects of healthcare, such as primary care, behavioral health, and specialty care, to create a more cohesive and effective system.

While the telehealth industry may be going through a period of adjustment, a recent survey by investment firm Rock Health found that digital healthcare is still in demand. The survey revealed that a majority of respondents have used virtual care in the past year, indicating a continued interest in remote healthcare services.

Sari Kaganoff, chief commercial officer at Rock Health, likens the current state of the telehealth industry to the early days of the internet, where companies were still figuring out how to best utilize the technology. She believes that telehealth will continue to evolve and expand its capabilities to meet the changing needs of patients.

As the telehealth landscape shifts, companies will need to find ways to differentiate themselves and provide unique value to consumers. Whether it’s through specialized services or a more integrated approach to care, the future of telehealth is likely to be shaped by those who can adapt and innovate in this rapidly changing industry.

In conclusion, while the heyday of telehealth may be over, the industry is far from dead. With new technologies and approaches on the horizon, the future of telehealth looks promising for those willing to embrace change and push the boundaries of what is possible in healthcare.