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Telehealth: Adapting to a Digital-First Healthcare Era


Published: 1/29/2025

Kaitlyn Piazza
Associate Account Director, Dynata

Telemedicine and technology integration have become increasingly important components of healthcare delivery, especially as digital tools and remote care options evolve. Healthcare associations, such as the AMA (American Medical Association) have been closely involved in advocating for policies that support the effective use of telemedicine while ensuring quality care, patient safety, and fair compensation for physicians.

If we take a step back to 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic drastically accelerated the adaption of telemedicine. With social distancing measures in place and the need for remote care, telehealth services expanded rapidly across the U.S. During this time, the AMA advocated for regulatory flexibility and reimbursement parity to allow physicians to continue providing care through telemedicine. Jumping back into the present, even without social distancing guidelines in place, there is still a need and desire for telehealth practices. The AMA is continuing to push for permanent telemedicine policies, ensuring that patients can maintain access to care through virtual consultations. 

Through advocating for telemedicine, the AMA is pushing for flexibility to allow interstate medical appointments, specifically for those within more rural areas. As well as, pushing to expand coverage and reimbursement under Medicare and Medicaid. However, while telemedicine could impact healthcare in a positive way, there are still things of concern that need to be address such as privacy regulations with HIPAA, technology integrations, quality of care and payment parity.  

Telemedicine involves the transmission of sensitive patient information, so it is important to ensure that the telemedicine platforms meet HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) standards for privacy and data security. The use of secure, encrypted communication tools is crucial to maintain patient confidentiality and trust. Along with secure technology for confidentiality, it’s important to advocate for standardized telemedicine platforms that are reliable, secure, and user-friendly for both healthcare providers and patients. And while the patient may not be directly in-front of the physician, it is important to maintain the same level of care. Physicians should be enrolled in training programs to ensure they are comfortable and effective in delivering virtual care.  

In conclusion, the AMA’s involvement in telemedicine and technology integration focuses on ensuring that these advancements enhance, rather than compromise, healthcare quality and patient safety. It supports policies that promote the widespread adoption of telemedicine while ensuring that physicians have the necessary tools, training, and resources to deliver high-quality, secure, and equitable care. The AMA’s efforts are crucial in balancing innovation with the core principles of healthcare: patient-centered care, professionalism, and access to high-quality services.