Another study has been released this week highlighting the growing usage of telemedicine in provider settings, as providers switch to value-based care.
HIMSS Analytics, the Chicago-based research and consulting arm of the Healthcare Information and Management Systems Society, found that more organizations are using telemedicine, integrating it within electronic health records, and using a variety of solutions. The research, the 2014 U.S. Telemedicine Study, is the first HIMSS Analytics Essentials Brief.
For the research, HIMSS Analytics surveyed approximately 400 provider organizations. Of those 400, 46 percent use up to four telemedicine solutions within their organization. Two-way video/webcam was listed by respondents as the most widely used telemedicine solution (57.8 percent) and most widely considered (67.1%) for those making a telemedicine investment.
“Organizations continue to strive toward a value-based rather than volume-based care model, and many telemedicine technologies can aid in that transition,” HIMSS Analytics Research Director, Brendan FitzGerald, said in a statement. “However, the study found that organizational needs will vary based upon provider type while the numerous technologies under the telemedicine umbrella will add to the complexity of the market. Regardless of these challenges, organizations will continue to look for and utilize technology to fill gaps and enhance initiatives in patient care.”
It’s the second study this week that shows the potential growth and rising interest of telemedicine. Arlington-based analytics firm, Towers Watson surveyed 1,000 employers and estimated that telemedicine could save more than $6 billion in healthcare costs.
