The ability of physicians and internists to deliver quality healthcare can be determined by many factors. For instance, patients are more concerned about the increasing cost of healthcare versus the quality of medical care they receive. There are some things, which could change how internal medicine is practiced, and the way patients are able to get access to the right, comprehensive and coordinated care. Here are a few top trends expected to be witnessed in internal medicine in 2015.
1. The SGR formula could see a positive impact
While this is not guaranteed, the anticipated rescind and substitution of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula may see positive results in the accessing of healthcare, especially by the disabled and elderly patients. A new system of the SGR that focuses mainly on the quality of health-care instead of the procedures performed may come at the right time. This kind of amendment affects the ability of patients to access healthcare in a more comprehensive manner.
2. Office visits may decline as patients embrace telehealth care
There is a growing demand for e-visits from patients. Patients do not have to make physical office visits since they can consult with physicians through digital edge technologies, such as phone calls, emails, text messaging, and even chatting platforms.
The increasing need for telehealth is seeing an establishment of virtual physician or internist networks that are sponsored by health plans, insurers, employers, and hospitals as well as physician groups. This brings down the cost of visiting physician's offices for primary care needs.
Some patients especially those that are terminally ill, the elderly, and frail or living far away from the physician's offices are disadvantaged when it comes to office visits. They are unable to have easy access to healthcare services.
3. Medicaid enrollment set to expand
The number of people enrolling in Medicaid is likely to increase by about 13 percent in 2015. While in states that had new enrollment financed by federal funds, the number of people enrolling has been quite high. On the flip side, those states that did not implement Medicaid expansion have seen a slower rate of enrollment.
4. The management of chronic care is getting into a new shape
A new payment system intended for chronic ailment care management that was set to begin in January 2015 would bring changes in the value-oriented healthcare system. The system is designed to allow a per-beneficiary as well as per month payment of close to over $40 for the nonface-to-face healthcare management services.
Patients who have challenges in receiving quality healthcare are looking forward to seeing how these kinds of changes may help them get what they deserve in care.
Dr. Gil Lederman is a certified oncologist who believes in non-invasive radiosurgery treatment for cancer/tumor elimination.
While this is not guaranteed, the anticipated rescind and substitution of the sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula may see positive results in the accessing of healthcare, especially by the disabled and elderly patients. A new system of the SGR that focuses mainly on the quality of health-care instead of the procedures performed may come at the right time. This kind of amendment affects the ability of patients to access healthcare in a more comprehensive manner.
2. Office visits may decline as patients embrace telehealth care
There is a growing demand for e-visits from patients. Patients do not have to make physical office visits since they can consult with physicians through digital edge technologies, such as phone calls, emails, text messaging, and even chatting platforms.
The increasing need for telehealth is seeing an establishment of virtual physician or internist networks that are sponsored by health plans, insurers, employers, and hospitals as well as physician groups. This brings down the cost of visiting physician's offices for primary care needs.
Some patients especially those that are terminally ill, the elderly, and frail or living far away from the physician's offices are disadvantaged when it comes to office visits. They are unable to have easy access to healthcare services.
3. Medicaid enrollment set to expand
The number of people enrolling in Medicaid is likely to increase by about 13 percent in 2015. While in states that had new enrollment financed by federal funds, the number of people enrolling has been quite high. On the flip side, those states that did not implement Medicaid expansion have seen a slower rate of enrollment.
4. The management of chronic care is getting into a new shape
A new payment system intended for chronic ailment care management that was set to begin in January 2015 would bring changes in the value-oriented healthcare system. The system is designed to allow a per-beneficiary as well as per month payment of close to over $40 for the nonface-to-face healthcare management services.
Patients who have challenges in receiving quality healthcare are looking forward to seeing how these kinds of changes may help them get what they deserve in care.
Dr. Gil Lederman is a certified oncologist who believes in non-invasive radiosurgery treatment for cancer/tumor elimination.