Telehealth Tipping Point: Rx Access, AI Breakthroughs, and Digital Health Innovations
The Clock is Ticking on Telemedicine Prescriptions
CTeL and other telemedicine advocates are urging Congress and the White House to extend a critical waiver that allows providers to prescribe controlled medications via telehealth, particularly for mental health and substance use disorder treatments. This waiver, implemented during the pandemic, is set to expire, which could jeopardize access to care in underserved and rural areas.
The DEA's 2023 proposed guidelines for telemedicine prescriptions were met with widespread criticism for being too restrictive. While a revised draft is under review, advocates, including CTeL, are concerned that without an extension, patients who rely on virtual care could face unnecessary barriers. With licensed providers using the waiver to responsibly prescribe controlled substances, extending this flexibility is vital to maintaining access to timely and necessary care in underserved communities. Read more.
AI tool can identify patients at risk of heart-related deaths
Researchers at the University of Leeds have developed an AI tool, OPTIMISE, that can identify patients at high risk of heart-related deaths, according to a study presented at the European Society of Cardiology Congress in August 2024. Funded by the British Heart Foundation Foundation, the AI analyzed the health records of over two million patients, uncovering undiagnosed conditions like kidney failure and diabetes, which contribute to heart-related deaths. The tool identified more than 400,000 high-risk individuals, accounting for 74% of heart-related deaths in the study's 10-year follow-up. The AI's ability to identify patients earlier and more accurately than current methods led to more effective management of risk factors and improved outcomes.
The pilot study of 82 high-risk patients showed promising results, with one in five receiving a new diagnosis of kidney disease, and over half with high blood pressure receiving improved medications. The researchers believe this tool could transform how general practitioners manage heart disease, offering early diagnosis and preventative treatments to reduce hospital admissions and save lives. Larger clinical trials are planned, and the team hopes to integrate OPTIMISE into GP systems within two years. This AI tool could significantly accelerate clinical decision-making and help alleviate pressure on healthcare systems by prioritizing prevention over treatment. Read more.
What do 'digital transformation' and 'digital health' really mean?
Digital transformation in healthcare refers to the process of integrating technology into every aspect of hospitals and health systems, with a goal to enhance consumer engagement and care delivery. Often misunderstood as just AI or digital marketing, digital transformation is much broader. It involves developing new capabilities, technologies, and strategies to improve patient interactions, optimize care delivery, and adapt to shifts in consumer expectations. This ongoing process isn't a one-time project but requires continuous innovation and adaptation to deliver tools like mobile apps, telemedicine, and remote monitoring systems that improve patient outcomes and healthcare experiences.
Similarly, digital health extends beyond the walls of hospitals to engage patients through digital platforms, offering tools that enhance convenience, access to care, and personalized healthcare management. From mobile apps for care navigation to remote monitoring devices, digital health provides patients with 24/7 access to services and information. As consumers become more empowered in managing their healthcare, hospitals and health systems are beginning to recognize the potential to improve revenue, patient engagement, and care outcomes by embracing digital strategies that also address cost and margin pressures in a competitive landscape. Read more.
What’s happening in Digital Health this week?
Grab your coffee (or tea, we like both too) and take a deep dive into what’s happening in our market this week.
WELL Health receives approval for $44M digital project
WELL Health Technologies Corp. (TSX: WELL) has received approval for a $44 million project, Health Compass II, funded by the Canadian government to enhance AI and interoperability in healthcare. The project aims to streamline administrative tasks, improve clinical decision-making, and enhance patient outcomes through AI-driven modules, with WELL Health serving as the lead commercialization partner. Read more.
Dock Health now available as qualified solution on Mayo Clinic Platform
Dock Health, a workforce optimization platform designed to streamline administrative tasks and workflow automation, is now available as a qualified solution on the Mayo Clinic Platform. This integration allows healthcare providers to adopt Dock Health's tools with confidence, improving task collaboration and care accountability across clinical and administrative teams. Read more.