Revolutionizing Healthcare Access: How Transcarent is Shaping the Future of Virtual Care

In an episode of "Healthcare on the Rocks: Employee Benefits with a Twist," Lauren Gums, Executive Vice President of Clinic Services at Transcarent, sat down with hosts Brittany Hardaway and David Pittman to discuss the evolving landscape of telehealth and virtual care. 

Below, you'll find highlights and takeaways from their conversation. Ready to listen to the full episode? Click here.

The Virtual Care Revolution: Meeting Consumer Expectations

With over 20 years of healthcare leadership experience, Lauren offers valuable insights into how technology is transforming healthcare delivery and accessibility.

She shed light on the current state of telehealth and its alignment with consumer expectations:

• There are a billion healthcare searches on Google every day
• Consumers demand urgency, accuracy, and convenience in healthcare access
• 90% of the U.S. population owns smartphones, with 96% of users preferring text communication
• U.S. healthcare spending is expected to reach $7.2 trillion by 2031

Transcarent is addressing these challenges by:

• Providing immediate access to evidence-based, best-practice care
• Leveraging technology to offer convenient healthcare experiences
• Focusing on controlling costs while improving care delivery

The Future of Virtual Care

Lauren shared insights on the sustainable model of virtual care:

• Telehealth usage remains 38% higher than pre-pandemic levels
• Integration of AI will drive personalized medicine and improved patient outcomes
• Virtual care will become as commonplace as digital banking

Employers' Perspective on Virtual Care

Employers are investing in on-demand virtual care programs for several reasons:

• Healthy workforces drive down costs and increase productivity
• Immediate access to care, especially for mental health, is crucial
• Flexible, comprehensive benefits boost productivity and help retain top talent

When evaluating virtual care programs, employers should consider:

• Employee engagement and utilization rates
• Health outcomes and quality of care delivered
• Employee satisfaction and ease of use
• Integration with other benefits and comprehensive care offerings

The Role of AI in Telehealth

AI is playing a crucial role in enhancing telehealth services:

• Improving diagnostic accuracy and streamlining care delivery
• Reducing clinician burnout by providing timely, relevant information
• Enabling rapid, accurate diagnoses through image analysis and data processing

Ensuring Security & Privacy

Lauren emphasized the importance of security measures in virtual care platforms:

• HIPAA compliance and robust security certifications (e.g., SOC 2, HITRUST)
• AI governance programs compliant with federal and state regulations
• Regular audits and updates to security protocols

The Future of Healthcare Delivery

Virtual care platforms are set to complement traditional healthcare:

• Telehealth will continue to coexist with in-person care
• An integrated, hybrid approach to care delivery is crucial
• Virtual care can serve as a "digital front door" to guide patients to the right care at the right time

As a partner in the Springbuk Activate marketplace, Transcarent's virtual care solutions are now readily accessible to employers and benefits consultants looking to implement effective healthcare management programs. 

This partnership allows for seamless integration with Springbuk's Health Intelligence™ platform, enabling data-driven decisions and improved health outcomes for employees.

By addressing the evolving needs of both employers and employees, Transcarent is poised to play a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare delivery, offering accessible, efficient, and high-quality care through innovative virtual platforms.
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To learn more about Transcarent visit Transcarent.com and connect with Lauren Gums on LinkedIn.

Listen to the full episode here