Telehealth News Recap - January 2023


It can be tough to keep up with the latest news in the virtual care space. Wheel's Virtual Care News is a monthly newsletter for stakeholders in the digital health industry. As a subscriber, you'll receive timely information on trending news, regulatory updates, engaging conversations, and key innovations emerging in the space.

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2023 is here and so are the predictions. While digital health leaders and telehealth advocates are bracing for a year of revenue volatility and moving targets, the industry continues to innovate for a patient-first future.

We've rounded up a few worthy forecasts, an insightful conversation with policymakers, and a video featuring four healthtech founders who "dared to think differently" including our very own co-founder and CEO Michelle Davey!

Trends & Insights

📽️ VIDEO: Vitals “Check-up” on the Future of Healthcare Policy

72% of consumers believe that the quality of care from a virtual visit is as good or better than an in-person visit, says CVS Health senior vice president of retail health, Dr. Creagh Milford. Axios reporter, Caitlin Owens also talks with Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers (R-Wash.) about delinking telehealth policies from PHE policies and Rep. Mike Thompson (D-Calif.) about partisan barriers to moving telehealth policy forward.

Axios >

2023 Look-Ahead: Boring Is The New Black

The stock market has been shaky, mortgage rates are up, and inflation is hovering uncomfortably high. Instead of shying away from the economic uncertainty facing our industry, in this report, Rock Health identifies 5 themes emerging and gives actionable steps for weathering the storm.

Rock Health >

Policy & Regulatory Updates

State Requirements Continue to Evolve

States see the value of telemedicine for patients and providers. Many have made permanent changes to their telehealth policies. Along the way, they are learning the nuances of equity, privacy and utilization.

The Commonwealth Fund >

Omnibus Bill Extends Some Telehealth Policies

Congress voted to extend PHE telehealth policies for two years and appropriated $350 million in flexible funding for public health infrastructure which is a 75% boost.

Fierce Health >

First Opinions & Engaging Conversations

Health Plans Need To Do Better When It Comes to Care Navigation

62% of Americans don’t trust their health plan when it comes to finding care, a Ribbon Health survey found. Providing more accurate information on provider directories could repair this trust.

MedCity News Report>

AMA: Reducing Physician Burnout Must Be Urgent National Priority

Physicians face a “tripledemic” this winter on top of mounting regulatory obstacles, Medicare payment cuts and staffing shortages. AMA calls on policy makers to address physician burnout at a systemic level to avoid dire consequences.

AMA>

Growth & Innovation

What 2023 Holds for EHR Optimization, Equity and More

Healthcare AI expert, Susan Taylor, says consumerism is the heart of the matter when it comes to patient outcomes. While technology leaders focus on automation and interoperability to manage admin costs, Susan says digital consumer engagement in healthcare is emerging as a cost-effective strategy for innovation.

Healthcare IT News>

2023 Forecast: Why Digital Health is Ripe for New Wave of M&A

Experts say consumer demand is causing the industry to shift away from point solutions to platform solutions. Traditional health systems are using language like “omnichannel” and “click and mortar.” Digital health is working toward “end-to-end integrated platforms.” All signs point toward hybrid, virtual-first care.

Fierce Healthcare >

Wheel News

33 Healthcare Startups Investors Expect to Take Off in 2023

Wheel was featured as one of 33 healthcare and biotech startups investors expect to take off this year. Investors also shared predictions that 2023 will be defined by new ways to use AI and a surge of health insurance startups.

Business Insider >

📽️ VIDEO: 4 Founders Who Dared to Think Differently

Wheel CEO, Michelle Davey, was selected to take part in the "4 under 40" panel at the 2022 HLTH Conference. Watch what HLTH called proof "the next generation of health leaders will leave an indelible mark with their sheer passion, grit, and technological savviness.”

Wheel >