Recent Telehealth Trends, Insights and News - October 2023
GLP-1 weight loss, 2024 health trends, OpenLoop Foundation and funding
It can be hard to stay on top of all the news, trends, technology and insights breaking through in the digital health space. The industry continues to grow faster each day. That’s why, while you focus on serving your patients, we’ll do the work for you with an October telehealth recap.
Curious about what’s new in telemedicine? Stay up to date on the latest Samsung digital health partnerships, top telehealth trend predictions for 2024, the latest OCR privacy and security resources, Amazon’s potential move into pet health, OpenLoop Health’s launch of a charitable foundation and more!
Technology, Insights and News
Samsung Partners with Brigham and Women's, Tulane University and MIT on Digital Health Research
Samsung recently unveiled new digital health and wellness projects alongside Bringham and Women’s Hospital, Tulane University School of Medicine. The company announced their Open Innovation Initiative program at their 2023 Samsung Developer Conference and has four other projects on the horizon. Read on to learn more about the programs.
Read the full FierceHealthcare article here >>
Amazon Considers Offering Veterinary Telehealth to Compete with Walmart
The U.S. pet market is expected to grow by $200 billion by the end of the decade according to CNBC reporters. Large retailers like Walmart have already broken into the pet health space and Amazon might be looking to join them. The e-commerce giant is already a dominant player in the pet food and supplies space, making the expansion into pet health a potential next step.
Read the full CNBC article here >>
Policy and Regulatory Updates
How Digital Health Companies Navigate the Patchwork of State Data Privacy Laws
Navigating compliance with HIPAA, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Act, and other major statutes is a complex process for any organization. Recently, a surge in newly enacted data privacy laws at the state level may further complicate compliance activities. Read one to learn more.
Read the full HealthIT Security article here >>
OCR Releases Telehealth Privacy and Security Resources for Providers and Patients
OCR is issuing a resource, as recommended by the Government Accountability Office, to help health care providers explain to patients, in plain language, the health information privacy and security risks that are present when using remote communication technologies. The full resource goes into more detail on what you should address such as what they should expect from a visit, why security and privacy are important and more.
Read the full HHS resource here >>
Industry Conversations
Why CPT Is Foundational In The Transition To Value-Based Care
As the healthcare industry slowly transitions to a more value-based care model, its success lies in the CPT codes themselves according to the American Medical Association. The CPT Editorial Panel has helped phase out fragmented care, often associated with fee-for-service payment by establishing care management codes, to address services that are typically performed after the face-to-face patient encounter. Read on to learn more!
Read the full AMA article here >>
Growth, Funding and Innovation
Digital Health Investments Shift To Disease Treatment, Workflow Solutions And VBC In Q3: Rock Health
Digital health leaders, founders and investors are facing a shrinking investor market, however, a few sectors are being recognized as bright spots. The up and down nature of telehealth funding in 2020 and 2021 is also making way for more stabilized markets as well according to Rock Health researchers. Read on to learn what these “bright spots” are and how a slower economy is forcing VCs to tighten their pockets.
Read the full FierceHealthcare article here >>
Walmart Expands Virtual Health Care Benefits, Increasing Access for Associates to Quality Providers Across the Country
In a press release from Walmart Corporate on Oct. 10th, the company stated that they are expanding their virtual primary care to allow Walmart associates and their families the option to develop long-standing relationships with quality doctors across the country.
Read Walmart’s full press release here >>
OpenLoop Resources and News
OpenLoop Health Launches Charitable Foundation
The OpenLoop Foundation will work to further the company’s vision of bridging the care gap and delivering Healing Anywhere through philanthropic giving and support of non-profit healthcare organizations. The foundation aims to promote local and national projects and initiatives that improve the health and well-being of individuals and communities with highly-specialized needs, limited resources and insufficient access to quality healthcare. Their first round of donations went to ChildServe and Orchard Place; organizations benefiting children in their home state of Iowa.
Read the full OpenLoop press release here >>
Prescribing GLP-1 Medication Via Telehealth: Is It Safe?
The simple answer—yes it is. However, the controversy surrounding the weight loss medication means that it’s anything but a simple answer. There are several factors to consider when deciding to build a virtual weight loss program. This blog will cover each of them and leave you better informed before starting your own virtual weight loss program.
Read the full OpenLoop blog post here >>
Digital Health CEO Reveals Top Telehealth Trends for 2024
As we enter into Q4 and begin setting goals for next year, health executives are looking to 2024 and anticipating what it might bring. OpenLoop CEO and Co-founder, Dr. Jon Lensing, gives us his take on the evolving virtual care market with the trends and innovations he’s expecting to see in the coming months. Get out your notepad, notes app or the writing canvas of your choice and add these to your own virtual health watch list for the new year!
Read the full OpenLoop blog here >>
Unlocking Nationwide Telehealth: Your Guide to the “MSO-Friendly PC Model”
In this whitepaper, we break down the "MSO-Friendly PC Model" and all of its independent stakeholders to give your telehealth company the tools to start expanding in all 50-states. Understand why a MSO-Friendly PC Model is beneficial, taxation and which states to launch first based on your goals.