How is virtual healthcare used to benefit patients and care givers? What are the newest innovations in virtual care technology? How do telehealth and telemedicine fit into the realm of virtual healthcare? We have our finger on the pulse and are striving to report the latest developments around virtual healthcare.
Industry News
UniDoc Announces Purchase Agreement for AGNES Connect Software from AMD Telemedicine
UniDoc Health Corp., an innovator in the eHealth sector, is pleased to announce it has entered into a definitive purchase agreement for the acquisition of the AGNES Connect software from AMD Telemedicine. This software forms the foundation of UniDoc’s previously announced NEIL Connect software platform.
Locke Bio Partners with imaware to Bring Comprehensive Lab Testing to Telehealth
Locke Bio, a telehealth platform, has partnered with imaware, a premier lab-testing provider, to integrate comprehensive diagnostic testing into its digital healthcare ecosystem. This collaboration removes one of the final barriers to fully remote healthcare, allowing telehealth providers to offer lab-validated treatments without requiring patients to visit a doctor’s office.
AvaSure acquires nursing platform to expand virtual care
AvaSure has acquired Nurse Disrupted, a virtual nursing platform aimed at improving care delivery in both hospital and home-based environments. This move underscores AvaSure’s focus on innovation led by clinical insights and represents the second acquisition of the company within nine months.
Remote Patient Monitoring
Smart Meter Announces US Launch of Atrial Fibrillation App Used by More than One Million Patients in Europe
In an era when technology is transforming healthcare to make it accessible anytime, anywhere, Smart Meter, a provider of remote patient monitoring (RPM) solutions, has teamed up with FibriCheck to launch their groundbreaking Atrial Fibrillation (Afib) detection app in the U.S. Already used by over one million patients in Europe, this innovative app turns smartphones into potentially life-saving diagnostic tools, putting control of heart health right at users’ fingertips.
Brook.ai Wins Digital Health Award for Pioneering Work in AI-Powered Remote Care Management
Brook.ai, a provider of remote patient care management and AI-powered health support, announced its recognition with a bronze award in the Connected Digital Health Telehealth/Remote Patient Monitoring category in the 26th annual Digital Health Awards®. The prestigious competition, organized by the Health Information Resource Center (HIRC), celebrates excellence and innovation in digital health resources.
Rimidi 2.0 Platform Unlocks New Possibilities in Healthcare Innovations
Rimidi, a digital health company that supports healthcare providers in the delivery of remote patient monitoring and chronic disease management with EHR-integrated software, services, and connected devices, has introduced Rimidi 2.0, a next-generation platform enhancement designed to address the increasing complexity of healthcare delivery.
Policy News
AHIP Comments on Special Registrations for Telemedicine and Limited State Telemedicine Registrations
AHIP comments on proposed rules addressing the prescribing of controlled substance medications through telemedicine and virtual interactions.
ATA Action Acquires Digital Therapeutics Alliance
ATA Action, the advocacy arm of the American Telemedicine Association (ATA), announced it has acquired the Digital Therapeutics Alliance (DTA). DTA is the leading international organization focused on expanding access to digital therapeutics (DTx). The combined organization creates a strong platform for policy and advocacy, focused on advancing innovative technologies that are transforming patient care. The Boards of Directors of the ATA, ATA Action and DTA unanimously approved this transaction.
To Read
Beyond The Hype: Measuring The Real Impact Of Virtual Healthcare On Patients by BW Healthcare World – In a nation where almost 70 per cent of the population resides in rural areas with poor access to quality medical care, virtual healthcare is commonly touted as a game-changer. The concept of visiting a doctor via video call or monitoring health conditions with a smartphone application has revolutionised healthcare accessibility.
The future of Medicare’s telehealth coverage is still at risk by The Riverdale Press – Weeks before its March 31 expiration, Congress moved to preserve Medicare telehealth coverage for millions of recipients nationwide, but the program many seniors call a lifeline is still at risk.
Enhancing the value of virtual care through strategic partnerships by News-Medical – Recent analysis by the National Health Institute indicates that telehealth now accounts for 23% of all health care encounters nationwide, with some clinical specialties reporting virtual visit rates now exceeding 50%.
To Listen
Our HealthcareNOW Radio Telehealth Playlist
The Health Resources and Services Administration of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services defines telehealth as “the use of electronic information and telecommunications technologies to support and promote long-distance clinical health care, patient and professional health-related education, public health and health administration.” To learn more and find out about the latest in telehealth tune in to the episodes on this playlist. Additionally, be sure to read HCNR’s Friday Five which recaps the site’s month long concentration on telehealth.
Defining the Industry According to the AAFP
Telemedicine is the practice of medicine using technology to deliver care at a distance. It occurs using a telecommunications infrastructure between a patient (at an originating or spoke site) and a physician or other practitioner licensed to practice medicine (at a distant or hub site).
Virtual Care is a patient service model for healthcare providers.
Telehealth refers to a broad collection of electronic and telecommunications technologies that support health care delivery and services from distant locations. Telehealth technologies support virtual medical, health, and education services.
Hashtags to follow for updates on Telemedicine:
Telehealth.HHS.gov
During the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, we don’t have to choose between medical care and social distancing. When patients can get health care through telehealth — and doctors can provide it — we protect ourselves and our communities. The Telehealth.HHS.gov website provides information about the latest federal efforts to support and promote telehealth services.
The American Telemedicine Association Events
ATA is a non-profit association based in Washington DC with a membership network of more than 10,000 industry leaders and healthcare professionals. We are a leading telehealth association helping to transform healthcare by improving the quality, equity and affordability of healthcare throughout the world. Find their next event.
Upcoming Events
ATA Nexus 2025 (@AmericanTelemed)
What: ATA Nexus 2025
When: May 3 – 6, 2025
Where: New Orleans, LA
Event Hashtag: #ATANexus
Register here.
Nexus 2025 will convene leading healthcare delivery organizations and the solution providers that support them, government agencies, payors, and other stakeholders to share critical insights and build action plans that enable virtual care as an indispensable care modality and permanent part of healthcare delivery. Nexus 2025 is where the future of healthcare is being built.
Be sure to check out the complete list of upcoming events from the American Telemedicine Association.