The word “COVID-19” seems to occupy nearly every bit of space in our conversations. Coronavirus—we’re sure it will be the term most immediately identified with the year of 2020. With this national crisis affecting each of us in nearly every area of our lives, we must ask ourselves how this could dramatically change the way we address healthcare.
We are told to stay home. But the opportunity to work from home doesn’t come to all of us. As a result, a number of Americans are getting laid off. Nearly 26 million people have filed for unemployment since late March.
This national lockdown even has the ability to send the unemployment rate past 32%. If this continues much longer, economists believe that 12-35 million Americans could lose their employer-sponsored insurance altogether. And when almost half of the American population gets their insurance covered through their work benefits, this clearly poses a serious problem.
Out-of-pocket expenses are expected to increase. Deductibles are expected to increase. Surprise billing—exactly the main problem ZeaMed works to put an end to—is expected to increase. Research shows that coronavirus patients will likely be subjected to about $1,300 out-of-pocket expenses for their care. All of this data is scary, but there is hope. That hope comes from technology.
Check: Coronavirus Disease (Covid-19): A Detail Question & Answers on COVID-19 for Atlanta, Georgia
Telemedicine could be our magic bullet
By using what’s called “Telemedicine,” we can welcome the opportunity of “Telehealth.” Let’s think about Telehealth and what that actually means. Think remote healthcare. We are realizing we really don’t have to go to the doctor’s office, in-person, and face-to-face, for everything. Now, more than ever, we can tap into the benefits of technology and receive healthcare digitally. Patients are treated via smartphone or computer, no one has to leave their house, exams and advice can take place during after hours, follow-ups can be scheduled, questions can be answered quickly, and frontline workers are kept safe.
This has been around for decades, but the impact of Coronavirus is finally providing it with massive exposure.
Currently, 76 percent of U.S. hospitals connect with patients and consulting practitioners at a distance through the use of video and other technology. Almost every state Medicaid program has some form of coverage for telehealth services, and private payers are embracing coverage for many telehealth services.
Americans are flocking to the internet for help, and there’s no way this sort of convenience will just completely die off after Coronavirus cases begin to decrease. Even when the lockdown is lifted, we will still be faced with suspicion and caution to get back on our feet. Time and money are saved through the internet’s help, and ZeaMed lives to tell this story.
Also read: Price Transparency 2020 – The Cost comparison of Healthcare Providers in the USA
But the ZeaMed story is more important now than ever. Our app is designed to save money and to be transparent. Doesn’t that sound refreshing? If anything, this pandemic only proves just how ready our society is for a healthcare makeover, and we know we can bring it.
We can help bandage our broken healthcare system by providing healthcare procedures and medical treatment price comparison services. No surprise costs guaranteed. You’ll know exactly what you’re signing up for and what you’ll pay before you even go, and with each of our finances suffering during this time, this is exactly what you need. There are hope and reformation on the horizon, and it’s our vision to find that together.
Sources:
Coronavirus double whammy – unemployed and uninsured
Coronavirus job losses
Healthcare price differences
How does Telemedicine work?
Telemedicine Surges, Fueled By Coronavirus Fears And Shift In Payment Rules
Telehealth