During the pandemic, there was a notable rise in the percentage of healthcare providers administering telehealth services. Forced to explore alternatives, providers quickly ramped up remote telemedicine offerings to patients. As is now well known, the experiment worked better than expected, and once things returned to normal, telehealth found its niche and remains an option for millions of patient encounters. But access to telehealth and telemedicine is far from universal despite the initial expansion of telehealth availability. For example, telehealth in rural America lags behind urban centers tremendously. A big reason for this involves the lack of broadband Internet access. Though many people living in such areas prefer these remote medical care services, options are limited to non-existent. And until the broadband issues are addressed, little progress will be made.
The good news is that support for broadband as well as for telehealth services have improved. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allocated billions of dollars for state broadband developments, especially in underserved and unserved areas. Likewise, advocates for telehealth services are making progress with insurers to help support expansion of telehealth availability. Notably, when striving to achieve comprehensive telehealth in rural America, these two components go hand in hand. Achieving these objectives is harder than it may initially seem. Thus, it’s important that barriers to both be addressed in an effort to take full advantage of the supports now available. And in some cases, that means relying on third-party experts to pave the way.
The Rationale Supporting Broadband and Telehealth Expansion
The pursuit of both the expansion of telehealth availability and broadband access are both well supported. In looking at telehealth specifically, several benefits have been noted. For example, telehealth improves access to care in general and not just routine care. Through remote telemedicine platforms, individuals are better able to connect with national and international expertise. Distance and cost may otherwise prevent this, but that’s not the case with telehealth. Likewise, remote services avoid exposure to other ill individuals, which is particularly important in older adults and with infectious diseases. And these health services also invite better care monitoring while reducing costs of care. Telehealth in rural America would realize each of these advantages to the greatest extent in all likelihood.
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Understandably, broadband connectivity would be required to achieve meaningful expansion of telehealth availability. For telehealth in rural America, this would be a priority since many such areas lack high-speed Internet. But there are many other reasons to pursue broadband Internet access throughout the nation. Opportunities for more extensive remote work positions could evolve with greater broadband coverage. Likewise, this would foster greater creativity and innovation while promoting a higher quality of life. And for services like medical and others, broadband would naturally improve access while helping develop enhanced digital literacy. This would be particularly important for elderly individuals and those living in remote, isolated areas. Thus, the opportunities that exist with both the expansion of telehealth availability and broadband Internet access are noteworthy.
Key Barriers to Overcome Along the Way
Understanding the goal is the eventual expansion of telehealth availability and the necessary broadband support, identifying barriers is important. Unfortunately, barriers to both do exist. In terms of broadband, geography can pose difficulties, especially in remote areas. Other noted obstacles include infrastructure costs as well as state and local regulations. Even if these challenges are addressed broadband affordability may still be a hindrance as well as digital literacy. At the same time, barriers to telemedicine also exist. Known issues for telehealth in rural America include a lack of insurance coverage for these services. Similarly, older adults may have audio or visual problems making telehealth use challenging without caregiver assistance. If telehealth and broadband support are to be realized, these specific factors need attention.
It’s worth recognizing that major support to broadband does exist in the form of the Infrastructure Bill. The 47.5 billion package for broadband provides each state with an initial $100 million to launch its own infrastructure strategies. Additional funding will then be made available based on the unserved and underserved Internet areas that will be targeted. This includes $4 billion for rural and tribal lands in the U.S. It also includes $14.2 billion to subsidize broadband consumer costs for access. By taking advantage of these supports, the ability to achieve major expansion of telehealth availability is significant. Specifically, this could pave the way for greater telehealth in rural America as well as unserved tribal regions. Combined with education and awareness programs these funding supports offer great hope.
Leveraging Expertise to Realize Broadband Telehealth Targets
Taking on the challenges associated with the expansion of telehealth availability as well as broadband services is quite the endeavor. States and local municipalities must develop extensive plans in pursuing Infrastructure Bill legislative funding. Likewise, healthcare organizations need to consider how best to approach communities to enhance telemedicine opportunities. Research supports that healthcare systems as well as communities should collaborate to promote Internet connectivity and telemedicine. This requires education, awareness programs, and policy changes, especially as it relates to telehealth in rural America. Only through resource sharing and effective teamwork will these goals be achieved and the benefits realized.
Of course, finding time and resources to invest in these efforts is difficult for cities, states, and healthcare systems. This is where third-party experts can help greatly through outsourcing key services to these entities. For example, broadband services related to network planning, infrastructure development, and cybersecurity protections are ideal areas for outsourcing. The same is true for many business process outsourcing (BPO) activities. This is particularly true in relation to the expansion of telehealth availability and workforce training. And such partners can help improve access to telehealth in rural America through digital marketing and business strategy development. Ultimately, outsourcing these critical activities to experts enables cost savings while increasing opportunities for success. It’s evident that telehealth expansion won’t take place without major investments in broadband access. And given this is such a larger endeavor, it only makes sense to rely on those who can accomplish most efficiently and effectively. Such a strategy is one that healthcare systems, cities, and states are rapidly realizing are the most practical.
