The health industry has come a long way in its healthcare delivery and medical services. In recent years, there have been significant progress and development in healthcare tools and technologies. These means have greatly aided health professionals in their diagnosis and treatments of patients in medical settings. But the COVID-19 pandemic has further compelled these doctors, specialists, and health practitioners to rely on digital tools and technologies.

Now, let us take a look at some existing and emerging technological trends in health care. Keep on reading to learn more.

1. Telemedicine

It is safe to say the remote technologies have revolutionized health care across the globe. Patients need not visit a clinic, hospital, or other medical facilities for a medical checkup, diagnosis, and even treatments. They can do so in the comfort of their homes using their mobile devices, the internet, and some digital tools. That is where telemedicine comes into the picture. This technological trend has become such a game-changer during the pandemic, as lockdowns and stay-at-home orders have been implemented.

2. Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM)

RPM has long been practiced in recent years. But its use has become more prevalent during the pandemic. Patients who are old, disabled, and have underlying health conditions are at risk of going outdoors and getting health care in a COVID-stricken world. As such, RPM has become a viable solution in having consistent medical care without compromising health. Patients coordinate with their physicians on receiving care on a regular basis.

3. Internet of Medical Things (IoMT)

You may have heard of the Internet of Things (IoT) existing in the modern world. But for the uninitiated, IoT refers to physical devices connected to various types of networks. These network connections include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and near-field communication (NFC). This technology applies to the healthcare industry, and that’s where IoMT comes into play. Health professionals can monitor their patients in a remote location using mobile devices, apps, and the internet. A perfect example is a patient using a wearable device like an ECG monitor. Should there be inconsistencies in the patient’s vitals, the responsible physician will be immediately notified.

4. Home Healthcare Services

Home health care has long been a choice among many patients. However, many older individuals and families have sought and preferred these home services during the pandemic. It is expected due to the threat of the novel coronavirus. Patients can receive medical home health care (checkup, diagnosis, and treatment) and non-medical services (home aide and household maintenance). These are on-demand health services. If you prefer not to visit a clinic or hospital, get a health professional to visit your home instead.

5. Extended Reality (ER) in Health Care

The rise of ER has been seen in various industries, and the health sector is no exception. This is especially true during the pandemic, as health professionals use augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) to learn in their field of endeavors. On the other hand, some patients have started using these digital technologies to improve their health conditions. For instance, stroke patients use ER for physical rehabilitation and recovery at home during the pandemic.

6. Automation in Billing and Claims Processing

The use of automation is seen in the health industry. Thanks to digital tools, patients can have a more seamless, efficient, and accurate billing process. The same is true for insurance benefit inquiries as well as claim processing. Patients can receive medical care at home without worrying about paying online and filing claims via digital platforms. Ultimately, automation does the trick by eliminating manual and physical works.

7. Health Data Interoperability

The health industry deals with a massive amount of data and information. They need to process medical records and forward them to the right department, while patients get a copy of these for record purposes. Even verifying insurance benefits and submitting claims require network connections with insurance companies. The goal is to send and receive health data and information while keeping them secured and protected. That is where data interoperability plays a crucial role. Thanks to IoMT, all these are made plausible among medical facilities, insurance carriers, and other health vendors.

There are no signs of slowing down for the technological trends in the health industry. The COVID-19 pandemic has all the more pushed for more digital and technological innovations in this sector. Consider those mentioned above, from tele medicine and IoMT to health data interoperability. These digital and technological trends will determine how we’ll cope with the current pandemic. Ultimately, they will define the future of our health care.