Digital tools adopted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic also play a crucial role in combating health inequities, according to a United Health Foundation panel.
Five takeaways:
1. The backbone of the panel was a United Health Foundation-based study from Atlanta-based Morehouse School of Medicine's National Center for Primary Care. The study analyzed provider adoption of telehealth in four Southern states.
2. Kristi Henderson, DNP, senior vice president of Optum's Center for Digital Health & Innovation, said the study highlighted how member access to internet-enabled devices or broadband connection.
3. Dr. Henderson also noted that accommodating member preferences was key, and that meant integrating digital healthcare alongside in-person care rather than entirely redesigning current approaches.
4. For underserved populations, she said providing digital options presents more opportunities for same-day access for ailments that could otherwise go undetected.
5. Outside of technology, Dr. Henderson encouraged payers to maintain COVID-19 innovations including reimbursement flexibilities. The moves reinforce access, reduce hesitancy and increase quality of care among underserved populations.