Ahead of the extended holiday weekend in the United States, MobileHelp — a leader in mobile Personal Emergency Response System (mPERS) and healthcare technology solutions — reported that nearly 30 percent of healthcare providers have implemented telehealth programs into their clinical operations.

This data point was part of the results of an “extensive survey of healthcare providers” conducted by the company.

We’re told that the survey also revealed that more than 85 percent of healthcare providers not currently using telehealth services see the clear benefit. Of those currently not using telehealth technology, nearly 25 percent reported they are looking to implement it within twelve months.
Read the full story

Safety Net Connect, a leading provider of innovative web-based healthcare technology for organizations assisting underserved populations, announced this week that “eConsult” (electronic consultation) technology – including SNC’s Converge platform, a next generation eConsult system – is gaining dynamic traction in the mainstream telehealth sector, as made evident by the overwhelming number of presentations addressing this transformative technology at last week’s CTN Telehealth Summit.

According to a provided media statement, summit discussions spanned a range of timely eConsult topics, including models of adoption, integration strategies, and success stories within a broad range of entities such as public health departments, integrated delivery networks (IDN), and Medicaid plans.

Panelists reported outcomes including specialist access within 1-2 days and over 60% of cases being resolved without the need for a face-to-face specialist visit.

Read the full story

On Thursday, Yorktel announced that its mobile telehealth kit, FeatherMed has won the MedTech Breakthrough Award for “Best Overall Telehealth Solution.”

MedTech Breakthrough, if you’re not familiar, is an independent organization that recognizes the top companies, technologies and products in the global health and medical technology market.

Award recipients are honored for their innovation, hard work and success in a range of categories, including Telehealth, Patient Engagement, Electronic Health Records (EHR), mHealth, Medical Devices, Medical Data, and more.

“We are honored to win this innovation award and to be recognized alongside such esteemed healthcare technology leaders,” said Yorktel SVP, Healthcare, Pete McLain. “FeatherMed is a niche product that fills a gap in the Telehealth market for a lightweight, portable unit to manage telehealth encounters on the fly in remote locations. FeatherMed is our latest example of Yorktel’s continued focus on developing purpose-built products that meet specific needs in the Healthcare marketplace.”
Read the full story

Ahead of the weekend, LG CNS Healthcare Solutions debuted the next generation of telehealth technology yesterday, featuring Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) capabilities at Telehealth 2.0, the American Telemedicine Association’s national conference.

BYOD has been added to compliment LG CNS’ pre-packaged telehealth bundles, which pairs medical devices with a pre-programmed tablet in a remarkably easy-to-use kit for patients.

“BYOD is the next step for offering ultimate flexibility, scalability and affordability in bringing virtual care to more patients,” commented Maryann Choi, MD, MPH, MS, CMD, ACPE, chief executive officer & founding partner of Collain Healthcare LLC, an LG CNS Company.

Read the full story

Escalating healthcare costs combined with a dearth of qualified physicians, limited access to medical care in rural areas, and an aging Baby Boomer population continue to drive the growth of the telemedicine industry nationwide. As employers and consumers embrace this new delivery model for healthcare services, Texas-based digital healthcare technology company MyTelemedicine has established a strong presence in the marketplace, positioning itself to become an industry leader.

Annual revenues for the global telemedicine market in 2015 topped $23 billion and are expected to nearly triple to more than $66 billion by 2021, Mordor Intelligence reports. The improved ability for doctors to consult with patients via telephone, email or video conference through telehealth providers lets doctors reach a larger patient population, while also reducing costs for consumers, who may otherwise choose to visit an emergency room or urgent care center for diagnosis and treatment.

Read the full story

Avizia — a leading end-to-end telehealth solution provider — shared with MHW on Tuesday the official news that the company is expanding their existing enterprise virtual care platform to include clinical staff in 36 specialties.

By partnering with MLS Telehealth, a physician-run organization providing clinical staffing services in 50 states for more than a decade, Avizia will provide its customers access to industry-leading, highly credentialed, board certified physicians.

Read the full story

On Wednesday, mHealthWatch was briefed by the team at Avizia, a leading end-to-end telehealth solution provider, on their new strategic channel partnership with Northwell Health, New York state’s largest health care provider and private employer.

The company also confirmed a direct-equity investment from Northwell Ventures, the health system’s corporate venture arm.

“Within this enterprise-technology-focused partnership, the companies will work to expand the depth and reach of Northwell’s telehealth services, helping to effectively and efficiently provide patients with the right care at the right time and place,” a provided statement reads.

Read the full story