“Change is the only constant in life.” That bit of wisdom dates all the way back to the ancient Greek philosopher Heraclitus. He was right, of course, as we can all attest. A great example: health care. Heraclitus’ contemporary Hippocrates—called the “founder of modern medicine”—would likely be amazed at the ways health care has evolved since then.
From Telemedicine to Insurance Reform
Health care is always evolving. (Think of the invention of penicillin and that we no longer “bleed” people to cure them!) But it seems we are currently seeing many big changes all at once. Here are some ways health care is changing right now to address various challenges and improve the overall system:
1
Telemedicine: When your grandparents were kids, could they have ever imagined something like an on-screen doctor visit? Today, the use of
telemedicine is booming, especially since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Remote monitoring has also become more common, allowing patients to access health care services or emergency care from the comfort of their homes.
2
Health care technology: Telemedicine isn’t the only transformation in how health care is delivered. Electronic health records are being used more widely, allowing health care providers to share patient information easily. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics are helping improve diagnoses, tailor treatments to individuals, and predict potential health care problems and treatments.
3
Addressing health care disparities: There is a growing awareness of factors that affect people’s access to care and their ability to pay. These include race, ethnicity, socioeconomic status and geography. More attention is being paid to these disparities and how to increase people’s access to care.
4
Health insurance reforms: The Affordable Care Act brought several changes to the U.S. health care system. Most notably, it gave more people access to health insurance coverage. Medicare also continues to evolve; in 2023 alone, changes include lower deductibles, caps on insulin copays, and more coverage for what it deems “medically necessary” dental care.
5
Emphasis on mental health: More and more people—and insurance companies—are recognizing that
mental health is an important part of overall health. Increased public focus on the topic is helping reduce the stigma that has long been associated with mental health issues. That is helping improve access to mental health services for people of all ages.
Health care today is nothing like it was even a few decades ago, let alone in the times of Hippocrates. These advancements are not just about technological leaps but are also about recognizing and addressing the needs of every individual. Here’s to a healthier, more inclusive future for everyone!
About Right at Home
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