Healthcare executives are increasingly turning to digital health and virtual care as key technologies to enhance the patient experience. A recent survey conducted by healthcare consultancy Sage Growth Partners revealed that while nearly 60% of respondents reported offering virtual primary care and remote patient monitoring, determining returns on these investments remains a challenge.
Patient experience has emerged as a top strategic initiative for nearly half of healthcare leaders, a significant increase from previous years. The survey, which included input from over 100 health system and hospital C-suite executives, highlighted the growing importance of telehealth and digital health in improving patient engagement and health management.
Despite the perceived benefits of digital health products, many executives struggle to see significant ROI from their virtual care offerings. Only a small percentage reported earning substantial returns from virtual primary care visits, with most either breaking even financially or seeing some ROI. However, the survey noted that returns varied depending on the type of virtual service offered, with virtual triage in emergency departments yielding significant ROI for a majority of executives.
Looking ahead, many C-suite executives anticipate the need to enhance their existing virtual care platforms or invest in new technology. Over 22% of respondents indicated that their organizations would likely need to transition to a new platform within the next one to three years to remain competitive in the evolving healthcare landscape.
The increasing reliance on telehealth as a means of accessing healthcare, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, has underscored the importance of clear policies governing reimbursement for virtual care services. The expiration of temporary Medicare coverage expansions for telehealth has left providers uncertain about the future of their telehealth programs, highlighting the need for greater clarity and stability in reimbursement policies.
Overall, the survey findings underscore the growing importance of digital health and virtual care in improving the patient experience and driving operational efficiencies in healthcare organizations. As the industry continues to evolve, healthcare leaders must navigate the complexities of virtual care investments to ensure sustainable returns and positive outcomes for both patients and providers.
