COVID-19 has impacted the world in many ways, and healthcare is no exception. COVID-19 has permanently changed the healthcare industry. Decisions have been made to try to meet the growing medical demands, and this has led the healthcare industry to adopt practices and procedures that have drastically affected how the healthcare industry works. Here’s what you need to know.
Telemedicine
Traditionally, you go to the doctor when you’re sick. Now, people are afraid to go to the doctor because they might get sick. In an effort to protect both patients and doctors alike, healthcare industries have increased the use of Telemedicine.
With more than 1.5 million Telehealth encounters in just the first 3 months of 2020 (early pandemic period), Telehealth has proven to be a safe and effective way to treat patients from afar. From primary care physicians to specialists, more doctors are utilizing Telemedicine to quickly and affordably meet the needs of their patients.
Employer-Based Health Insurance
As the global health crisis rages, the economy has taken a blow. Companies have struggled to provide affordable health insurance to employees during this time of difficulty. This has led some business managers to adopt the practice of health reimbursement arrangements, or HRAs.
Essentially, this allows the company to reimburse employees for medical expenses and insurance premiums. While there is disagreement over the effectiveness of this practice, one thing is for sure. Traditional workplace healthcare is becoming less relevant than ever. This means that alternative means of medical care are necessary.
In-Home Health Aide
In many states, one-third of COVID-19 deaths have taken place in nursing homes and other long-term care facilities. While these facilities have their benefits, these numbers have left people asking whether it’s a good idea to house so many high-risk patients close together.
The fear of close contact has driven many individuals to look for in-home health aides. The idea of having someone attend to a medical condition in-home is comforting to some. This has greatly increased the demand for aides, house calls, and in-person medical services.
The Role Of Physician Assistants, Nurses, And Nurse Practitioners
One of the biggest ways the coronavirus has changed the healthcare industry is by allowing physician assistants to take a more active role in treating patients. As the demand for healthcare professionals has grown, the industry has found itself short-staffed. This has led doctors to lean more heavily on their assistants and other nurse practitioners.
While the level of involvement varies from state to state based on the scope of their abilities and state laws, one thing is evident. Now, more than ever, the need for healthcare professionals is highlighted. As the industry continues to change, it is imperative that healthcare professionals change with it. While it’s impossible to know what to expect, it’s likely things will never be the same.
What is Aluna?
Aluna is an innovative, scientifically-accurate, and portable spirometer cleared by the FDA.
This device and management program is designed to help adults and children, 5 years and up, monitor their lung function and take control of their respiratory health.
Anyone with asthma can track their FEV1% with Aluna simply by breathing into the device. A companion app and game make the task fun and the data can be remotely viewed by doctors for better treatment.
Aluna is seeking to shed light on asthma and other lung diseases by providing accurate and reliable data for doctors and patients.
Be sure to ask your doctor how you can receive Aluna for FREE and how this device can benefit you.
