The Rise in Virtual Care Adoption
Learn how virtual care is transforming healthcare and driving significant cost savings for ACOs.
October 16, 2024
Learn how virtual care is transforming healthcare and driving significant cost savings for ACOs.
Virtual care is no longer a futuristic idea—it’s transforming how healthcare is delivered today. With telehealth adoption now 17 times higher than pre-pandemic levels and 25% of Medicare users utilizing it in 2023, this shift toward virtual care is accelerating across the healthcare industry. The pandemic has driven the rapid adoption of telehealth, and it continues to grow as both patients and providers recognize its benefits.
For a deeper dive into what virtual care entails, read our article on "What is Virtual Care?".
Virtual care removes traditional barriers like travel and mobility issues, ensuring that patients—especially those in remote or underserved areas—can access high-quality care. McKinsey estimates that more than 50 million in-person visits could shift to virtual settings each year, highlighting the immense potential for virtual care to improve healthcare access.
Virtual care reduces the overhead costs associated with in-person visits, such as maintaining physical facilities and staffing. This is crucial in a time when healthcare systems are looking for ways to cut costs. Deloitte’s research projects that the virtual healthcare market will grow by 23% annually over the next five years, potentially reaching $100 billion by 2025. These cost-saving benefits make virtual care an attractive option for healthcare providers and organizations alike.
The demand for virtual care has grown significantly as more patients become comfortable with telehealth. A recent survey found that 89% of patients who used virtual care in the past year plan to continue using it. The convenience and time savings of telehealth make it a preferred option for many patients, particularly for follow-up visits and consultations.
ACOs are increasingly adopting virtual care as part of their strategy to deliver continuous care while managing costs. By enabling better monitoring and early intervention, virtual care reduces hospital readmissions and improves patient outcomes. In 2023, 25% of Medicare users reported using telehealth services, underscoring the growing demand for virtual care across the healthcare industry.
As virtual care continues to evolve, it will play an even greater role in healthcare delivery. Experts predict that telehealth will integrate more advanced technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), enabling more accurate diagnoses and personalized care. Deloitte’s experts suggest that AI will further enhance remote healthcare by facilitating remote imaging and diagnostics, making virtual care even more effective.
Looking ahead, virtual care is not just a trend—it’s the future of healthcare. As more organizations adopt this approach, healthcare systems will need to adapt to ensure sustainability, improved patient outcomes, and reduced costs.
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