President Joe Biden’s choice to lead the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services has indicated his support for telehealth. Xavier Becerra called attention to the effects of inequality on the health of vulnerable communities and acknowledged the role of digital health in addressing that inequity.
Joe Biden announces new health team to manage the COVID-19 pandemic
Joe Biden formally announced the important members of the administration’s health team. It includes Indian American doctor Vivek Murthy who will manage the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. The President in his briefing from Wilmington, Delaware outlined three key goals for the first 100 days in office with regards to masking, vaccinations and opening schools for children.
21% of COVID-19 discharged patients dead, or readmitted after 60 days
The death rate or re-hospitalization in the 60 days that follows hospital discharge due to coronavirus exceeds 21% among patients that were admitted in the early months of the pandemic according to a new study. This study was conducted by a team of US-based investigators and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine.
Policy changes facilitating access to virtual care should remain permanent
Telehealth regulations have been relaxed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, triggering interest and support for virtual care owing to its benefits like convenience and safety.
Another less spoken advantage of telemedicine is the availability of specialists for patients especially suffering from chronic diseases like cancer.
Healthcare gears up for a Starbucks and BOPIS revolution
Leading health systems are converting many aspects of a patient’s journey into online experiences. This is similar to ordering a Starbucks drink on a mobile app. Patients can complete many administrative pre-visit formalities before reaching the hospital. Due to the pandemic, health systems have invested in low-contact and contactless experiences for in-person visits.