COVID-19 has affected several industries irrespective of the field, all across the world. According to Benjamin Gordon of Palm Beach, the epidemic’s effect will be long lasting and we will feel it for years to come. It has genuinely heralded a new era fraught with unknown and irreversible changes. According to Gordon, this is also the time for large-scale technological innovations and changes that will transform the present-day world and society into an improved and more advanced one.
Since the onset of the pandemic, the healthcare industry has been at the forefront of this human-virus war. The COVID-19 pandemic not only showcased the advancements we have put in place but also laid bare the lack of facilities and necessities in various parts of the world. Even with current modern medicines and technological advancements, this is an uphill challenge.
The truth that came out during the aftermath of this global pandemic is shocking. It came to light how much the healthcare industry was understaffed and underprepared when it came to dealing with emergency infectious disease situations. This article focuses on a plan to build a new and improved healthcare industry with better preparations to face future challenges.
Without further ado, let’s look at how the healthcare industry is on the brink of a paradigm shift over the next few years.
The importance of an IHN – Benjamin Gordon of Palm Beach
The IHN, or Interconnected Healthcare Network, is a radical new thought that has emerged as the all-purpose data storage and skill-sharing center for the healthcare industry. In this day and age of the digitized modern world, the different healthcare industry levels must work seamlessly and effortlessly within the same protocols and similar guidelines.
The local, national, and global healthcare systems must co-exist and work alongside each other. Within the workings of a consolidated IHN, there are several key advantages to be gleaned, whether you are a payer, provider, or a government agency. Let us have a look at the key features.
As a payer
The IHN will simplify and reduce the co-pay and pre-authorization requirements along with the cover charges for infectious diseases such as COVID-19.
As a provider
Providing state of the art online access for doctors and medical caregivers to all parts of the world for online testing, at-home preventive therapy, and care will reduce risks such as community spread.
Government agencies
For the State, Federal governments, and other regulatory bodies, it becomes mandatory to devise consistent guidelines for the entire healthcare industry. The distribution of programs focused on sections of society will become efficient as all the data will be available.
However, for such a large-scale transformation to work, especially on a global scale, the healthcare industry has a long way to go. Some points to consider are as follows.
Regulatory sync-up in key
The healthcare industry needs to accept large-scale interventions from the federal government for the synergy buildup between the industry levels across the board.
Vital digital initiatives
There is a greater need for digital solutions in the healthcare industry from delivery systems to identification and testing at low costs. Digital advancements can lead to affordable care.
Allowing digitization to survive
As for the digital care mode to survive, this is easier said than done. The traditional care setting needs to allow for the build-up of user base. The telemedicine market needs time to set in as users adopt the route gradually over time. The current expected timeline for the digital boom is by 2024.
Adjudication systems
The core organizational growth will be monitored and implemented by the use of next-generation adjudication systems, which will be the key to process streamlining.
AI and remote monitoring for establishing guidelines
Establishment of the new normal is vital as the shift continues towards the digital infrastructure for healthcare. AI and remote monitoring will allow for better decision making between in house innovations and market solutions.
It is important to remember that the COVID-19 pandemic was an eye-opener, and showed us that a robust and collaborative effort is vital. Collaboration on a global scale is only possible through technology and the digitization of the healthcare industry. If expertly implemented, tomorrow’s healthcare can be more agile, cheaper, and most importantly, available to all. However, it still needs to abide by the strict regulations of the Federal and State laws present-day medical facilities. There is outstanding potential in digital medical services with a battery of bots, AI, telemedicine platforms, VR, and AR available, operating precisely all around the clock without fatigue. It is indeed a look into the future, a competent and professional one.
The Editorial Team at Healthcare Business Today is made up of skilled healthcare writers and experts, led by our managing editor, Daniel Casciato, who has over 25 years of experience in healthcare writing. Since 1998, we have produced compelling and informative content for numerous publications, establishing ourselves as a trusted resource for health and wellness information. We offer readers access to fresh health, medicine, science, and technology developments and the latest in patient news, emphasizing how these developments affect our lives.
