Enhancing Patient Care in Telehealth with At-Home Health Testing

The global telehealth market reached a staggering $101.2 billion in 2023,¹ highlighting its vital role in healthcare, from aiding personnel shortages to providing more accessible care. Though a powerful tool, its synergy with other technologies, like artificial intelligence and at-home test kits, has opened new avenues for patient care. At-home testing, in particular, is pivotal in turning telehealth into a more personalized and holistic healthcare solution. This combination can enhance early screening and ongoing monitoring while increasing efficiency and convenience.

Discover how telehealth and at-home testing are becoming a cornerstone in the evolution of healthcare and what is to come for the future of patient care capabilities.

Telehealth is here to stay

While telehealth services were used before the pandemic, it was not until they were a necessity during lockdowns that their practicality and extensive capabilities were more widely appreciated. Now, as we shift back to a new normal, the digital health trend of telehealth remains an integral part of our health system, with the global telehealth market projected to increase at a CAGR of 24.3% from now to 2030.²

People have become so accustomed to the benefits of telehealth that in a nationwide survey, 95% of respondents said they would switch to a healthcare provider that offers telehealth.³ Not having to travel for appointments makes primary care more accessible while generating significant savings in the form of reduced costs, time and even carbon footprints.⁴⁵

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The continued success of remote care is also thanks to its ability to bridge the gaps encountered by health systems, such as personnel shortages. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that there will be a shortage of 10 million healthcare workers by 2030,⁶ alongside an increase in patient demand. Though telehealth does not create more healthcare workers, it can relieve some of the burden through flexibility. With virtual care capabilities, healthcare providers do not have to relocate to support rural and low-income patients who may be unable to travel for appointments and are generally at higher risk during a public health crisis.

With all that said, telehealth used by itself is limited in what it can do. However, when utilized in tandem with other virtual care technology, like wearable devices, AI, cloud solutions and at-home testing infrastructures, it can make a significant difference in decentralizing access to healthcare services.⁷

At-home testing is a game-changer

At-home tests bring a new wave of possibilities to remote care as it is no longer limited to virtual interactions — complex health data is now attainable from a distance. Patients don't have to wait for a lab appointment or even leave the house to collect samples and review their results, which increases accessibility, convenience and efficiency.

Since at-home testing was widely adopted through COVID-19 kits, Americans have become increasingly interested in other biomonitoring tests that can be done at home with the same level of convenience. According to McKinsey & Company research, 26% of U.S. consumers are interested in home tests for vitamin and mineral deficiencies, 24% for cold and flu and 23% for cholesterol levels, making at-home testing kits a welcome add-on for telemedicine.⁸

At-home testing as a complementary tool to a telehealth service also helps eliminate fragmentation,⁹ as telehealth providers can offer a more holistic experience. With customized biomarker panels, providers can be even more targeted in patient data collection, increasing the level of personalized care available, whether that means more thorough checkups, screenings for severe conditions based on risk factors or narrowing down a diagnosis for mysterious symptoms.

Timely detection of health issues

The simplicity of remote testing encourages patients to keep up with regular health screenings, which increases the likelihood of detecting health issues before they can deteriorate, thereby supporting better health outcomes and reducing potential treatment costs. Preventive screening tests are essential for chronic diseases, as they give patients time to explore treatments, whether that entails medications, drastic lifestyle changes or other medical interventions.

Of the many chronic conditions plaguing Americans, heart disease, cancer and diabetes are the leading causes of death and disability in the U.S., as well as the leading drivers of the $4.1 trillion spent on annual healthcare costs. Fortunately, these three costly conditions can be proactively screened for, at least in some capacity:¹⁰

• Heart health: Cardiovascular disease accounted for 928,741 deaths in 2022.¹¹ Early screening can help patients improve their heart health before it worsens and causes more severe conditions like heart attack or stroke. At-home blood tests for heart health include cholesterol, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein and Lipoprotein (a).¹²

• Diabetes: About 98 million Americans have prediabetes, with more than 80% unaware they have it.¹³ At-home health checkups that include blood glucose assessments have the potential to reduce these rates, providing prediabetic individuals with a critical opportunity to take precautions before their condition can progress.

• Cancer: Cancer rates are expected to reach a record high of 2 million in 2024, with specific increases among six of the ten most common cancers, four of which (breast, prostate, colorectal and cervical) have proactive screening options.¹⁴ Prostate cancer specifically can first be assessed with an at-home PSA test. High PSA levels may be an indication of prostate cancer and should be followed up with a healthcare provider for further assessment.

At-home screening also provides quick support for other health areas like nutrient deficiencies. For example, an iron deficiency, which can be screened for with an at-home ferritin test, can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including extreme fatigue, dizziness and cold extremities, but may be easily treated with iron supplementation from a healthcare provider.¹⁵

Monitoring health from afar

Screening is only the first step in healthcare, particularly if someone does have a developing condition that requires regular monitoring. Combining virtual visits with remote patient monitoring through at-home tests simplifies chronic condition management and has the benefit of encouraging better patient engagement with more consistent and frequent assessments. Access to regularly updated patient health data enables providers to develop dynamic treatment plans tailored to unique patient needs beyond a standard diagnosis.

At-home testing can also be applied to other areas of primary care or health metrics tracking, like if a patient is trying to increase their intake of specific nutrients or wants to use a new weight loss medication and is concerned about potential side effects. Regular actionable data can be motivating, while helping patients and providers make timely adjustments to medications and lifestyle decisions.

Overcoming challenges with implementation

At-home testing has countless benefits, but it is not without its critics. Some individuals have concerns about things like security, accuracy and patient education, so choosing the right partner for your testing service is critical.

Powered by imaware addresses many concerns by processing all tests in CLIA-certified, CAP-accredited laboratories and maintaining a high standard of security with SOC-2 certification and HIPAA compliance. There are also lab systems in place to assess samples upon arrival; if any are deemed unviable, the patient receives a new test for re-sampling to ensure the most accurate results possible. Alongside their verified results, Powered by imaware’s patients receive follow-up instructions that are easy to understand and are advised to seek assistance from a healthcare provider should their results fall outside the norm.

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The future is bright for remote care

With so many emerging technologies in the health industry, it is no surprise that products and services are rapidly evolving. However, this development is also being shaped by changing consumer expectations, with the current focus being effective, data-driven, science-backed health and wellness solutions.¹⁶ Thanks to these consumer interests, the $1.8 trillion global wellness market is expected to see various related trends in the coming year, including health at home and a new era for biomonitoring and wearables.¹⁷

Between these incoming trends and specific pain points in the healthcare system, the possible applications of at-home health solutions will continue to expand. Remote healthcare elements, including telehealth and at-home testing, are undoubtedly major players in the future of the healthcare industry.

Summary

The confluence of virtual care and at-home testing is not just a phase but a fundamental shift towards a future where health is monitored, managed and optimized from the comfort of one's home. With ongoing advancements, it is clear that this fusion of technologies will continue redefining the care delivery landscape, offering a healthier and more connected future for individuals worldwide.

Telehealth providers and other businesses in the health and wellness space interested in the many advantages and capabilities of at-home testing can build their custom kits without needing an entire testing system. Powered by imaware's plug-and-play solution is designed for easy use by partners. With an extensive biomarker menu, you can build the at-home test that best suit your patient's needs. Explore Powered by imaware now.