The advantages of telemedicine have been established and discussed ad nauseam in various articles and publications. The telehealth industry is projected to generate $1.9 billion in 2018, up from $240 million in 2013. For all intents and purposes it appears to be the new frontier for healthcare. One of the specific types of telemedicine that is seeing particular interest is telepsychiatry software. Here are three potential reasons why.
1.) Prevalence: Mental illness can take a a variety of forms. It’s one of the most common abnormalities a person can suffer from. In fact, up to 35% of all chronically ill individuals are diagnosed with some form of mental illness. Where there is a need, businesses in a free market will look fill it. Since psychiatry is largely how mental illnesses are treated, telemedicine psychiatry can only improve upon it.
2.) Cost: Due to the efficiency of the industry the cost of telehealth solutions is less across the board. It would make sense that telepsychiatry software follow this trend. Additionally, almost half (22) U.S. states have implemented laws that require insurance agencies to reimburse telehealth visits the same as in-person.
3.) Comfort: Not just in the sense that you don’t have to leave your house for an appointment either. Multiple studies have supported the fact that patients are overall more likely to keep their appointments that utilize telepsychiatry software as opposed to a traditional visit, and less likely to cancel or flake on completely. Perhaps the fact that people who have a mental illness are more apt to conditions like social anxiety plays a role in this. Would you be more comfortable walking into a strangers office, or opening your laptop and communicating with someone in your own home?
No matter the exact reason the fact of the matter is telehealth and telepsychiatry specifically is a rapidly expanding industry. As long as factors like those mentioned above are persuading more people to use them, the sky is the limit.
