Healthcare in the United States is a complicated–and hotly debated–subject. When comparing healthcare system types, it quickly becomes apparent that the American healthcare system is one of the most complex in the entire world. It is because of these complexities that changes often take several years to take place.
In light of the novel coronavirus pandemic, however, changes are happening at a more rapid rate than ever before. Legislation aimed at mitigating the spread of the virus and ensuring patients can receive the care they need has expedited the growth and implementation of expanded telehealth services and led to numerous other changes throughout the course of 2020. While these efforts have slowed the spread of the virus, we are still in the midst of a global health crisis. As a result, there will likely be several changes to the healthcare industry in the coming year and beyond. Put on your favorite scrub coat and keep scrolling to learn about a few changes healthcare professionals can expect to healthcare in 2021 and the future.
Increased Availability of Telehealth Services
The future of telehealth is bright. As mentioned above, COVID-19 has accelerated the implementation and growth of telemedicine, and the availability of remote healthcare services will likely continue to expand in 2021 and beyond.
Legislation making remote healthcare services more widely available has been passed in 2020 largely to help mitigate the spread of the coronavirus. By allowing patients to receive the services they need from home using their smartphone, tablet or computer, it has made it possible for sick people to remain in isolation and avoid spreading the virus to others. In the coming years–even after the world has emerged from the current pandemic–telehealth services will remain available for the same reasons. When patients no longer need to visit a doctor’s office when they are suffering from the flu, for example, the risk of them transmitting the illness to others is significantly decreased.
Telehealth services have also helped many people overcome the challenges commonly associated with visiting a doctor’s office, such as tight schedules and lack of transportation. They make healthcare more accessible to patients. Telehealth services can also lower the costs of healthcare, further making vital services more accessible.
As technology continues to be developed and improved, remote healthcare tools will become common household items. With healthcare apps and kits, patients will be able to transmit a wide range of diagnostic data–including their weight, temperature, blood pressure and more–directly to their provider from the comfort of their home.
Changes to Medicare and Medicaid
With individuals from the Baby Boomer generation reaching retirement and qualifying for Medicare, healthcare spending by local, state and federal governments is likely to increase significantly in the coming years. This increased spending is predicted to have a major impact on the entire American healthcare system, especially if the government continues subsidizing health insurance premiums for those with lower income.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has also released a document outlining proposed changes to payment rates for physician services. In addition to adding certain services to the list of telehealth services for Medicare recipients through the end of 2021, this document increases payments for certain office visits while decreasing payments for some specialty services.
Evolution in Healthcare Providers
To keep up with technological and policy changes, healthcare providers are also changing. In 2021 and beyond, it is likely providers will focus more of their education on business than ever before, which is projected to increase the number of healthcare administrators and private practices.
The demographics of the healthcare industry are rapidly changing. Currently, women account for the majority of providers in specialties like obstetrics and gynecology and pediatrics. While they currently account for roughly a third of all practicing physicians, nearly half of all medical students and physicians in training are women. As a result, the number of female practitioners will expand in 2021 and beyond.
Doctors and other providers are also evolving to keep up with current patient needs. They are embracing technology, and many more will begin offering telehealth services in the coming years. Expect to see changes in how practices are run as more and more providers are offering remote services in addition to (or in some cases, instead of) in-office services.
More Stringent Disinfection and Sanitation Policies
Cleanliness has long been vital in doctors’ offices, hospitals and other healthcare facilities. In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, however, sanitation and disinfection have become more important than ever before. While providers have always taken steps to mitigate the spread of viruses and bacteria, extra steps have been taken throughout 2020 to help ensure public health and safety.
In 2021 and beyond, expect stringent disinfection and sanitation policies to continue. Nurses and aides may be required to launder their scrubs using antimicrobial laundry detergent, take extra steps to clean patient rooms or sanitize high-touch surfaces, such as pens, door handles and waiting room furniture, on a more frequent basis.
The Bottom Line
If there is one thing healthcare providers can expect in 2021 and beyond, it’s that there will be a lot of changes. The coronavirus pandemic has altered the healthcare industry–and the world as a whole–in irreversible ways, and providers should be prepared to face new, often sudden changes as they work to navigate a global health crisis in the safest and most effective way possible. Changes should also be expected in a post-COVID-19 world as providers work to safeguard the public against future outbreaks. From increases in safety regulations to changes in the average cost of malpractice insurance, healthcare professionals can be sure to expect big changes moving forward.
Whether you work as a physician, nurse, aide or any other type of healthcare provider, expect changes and challenges in the coming years. Keep in mind, though, the changes being made now are intended to make the world a safer and healthier place for years to come.
