Telehealth usage nearly 50% higher in areas with strong broadband access
Tampa, Fla. (Nov 4, 2024) – In a time where everyone is so reliant on technology, it’s very likely that you have scheduled a doctor’s appointment online before, or even attended an appointment without leaving the comfort of your own home. With sufficient high-speed internet access, or broadband, Americans are able to access convenient, affordable health services that more directly cater to their needs.
Nearly everything can be accomplished or accelerated through technology these days. One of the fields most impacted by increased technology use and broadband access is healthcare. There are so many more benefits to telehealth than just scheduling appointments.
Equitable broadband access is necessary to ensure everyone has access to telehealth. If you live in a rural area, it may be difficult to drive to a hospital or office every time you need care. Without efficient broadband access in those areas, people won’t be able to get the health care they deserve. Integrating technology in the medical field allows patients to adapt to their needs.
Broadband is essential in creating convenient healthcare options
There has been a huge surge in telehealth operations since the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. This is because so many places were shut down or limited during COVID-19, and many individuals and families were unable to seek healthcare assistance during lockdown. Ever since changes were made to help people adapt during the pandemic, telehealth practices have stuck. Even though the world isn’t in lockdown anymore, telehealth is still a valuable tool to reach patients from wherever they may be.
It can be difficult to receive adequate healthcare if you live far from a hospital or don’t have means of transportation. Through the internet, you can book and attend appointments through your digital devices. Telehealth is a convenient way to order prescriptions, coordinate care through separate providers, share test results and record vitals or other health information.
With the increased integration of technology over the past decade, telehealth utilization has gone up significantly. According to Harvard Health Publishing, 76 percent of hospitals in the United Stated connect doctors and patients remotely through telehealth services, which is a 35 percent increase from ten years ago.
This type of convenient healthcare is only made possible through broadband access. According to a study done in 2023 by the National Library of Medicine, areas with the most broadband access had 47% higher telehealth utilization compared to those with the least high-speed internet availability. The smaller percentage of telehealth utilization in rural areas reflects the importance of investing in broadband to ensure that everyone can have access to the same care.
“Telehealth has the potential to transform the health care landscape, especially for those living in the most remote areas of the country where access to health care resources are scarce,” said Shauna Plath, Connected Nation Research Assistant. “Making health care more accessible, convenient, and cost effective will produce more positive health outcomes for all communities and expanding telehealth services is a great way to start.”
A Connected Nation study on the Sault Sainte Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians found that the expansion of high-speed broadband internet that is accessible, affordable, and of high quality, particularly for those in under-resourced or remote areas, is necessary to address everyone’s health care needs effectively.
Broadband access opens the door to more affordable telehealth care
Utilizing telehealth can save you a lot more money than you would be paying at an office. According to a study done by the National Cancer Institute in 2023, the average amount saved by cancer patients who used telehealth services was up to $186 per visit. When patients do not have to travel to offices and pharmacies, they save finances and time. The costs associated with gas and parking help patients save the money that they would lose if traveling.
However, telehealth also reduces costs by enabling providers to reduce overhead costs associated with their care. Additionally, having the option of online care after hospital discharges decreases the risk of rehospitalization and the expenses associated with it.
For health care to become more cost effective, high-speed internet access needs to be more affordable to consumers as well. The Affordable Connectivity Program (ACP) started during COVID-19 as part of a federal relief package that helped low-income households get more affordable high-speed internet. The Federal Communications Commission stated that 72 percent of ACP subscribers used their internet service to schedule or attend healthcare appointments. As ACP ended in May, many households are once again unable to afford broadband.
Equitable support needs to be distributed across all regions to ensure everyone has access to convenient and affordable healthcare. We need to make broadband a priority to ensure everyone is given the same opportunities and necessary care.
Everyone belongs in a Connected Nation.
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About the Author: Kailynn Bannon supports the Connected Nation team by writing blogs, editing videos and podcasts, managing social media, and creating newsletters. Responsibilities also include researching video marketing trends and analyzing website and social media metrics, while enhancing various communications materials like brochures and event invitations.
