5 Trends To Know In The Medical Industry As A Newer Physician
The medical industry is constantly evolving. New research and technology continue to expand healthcare so quickly that trends rapidly come and go. If you’re new to the medical industry and seeking your first position after completing your medical school requirements, taking a quick glance at some current and upcoming trends can be helpful.
Author:Katharine TateReviewer:Karan EmeryDec 13, 202312K Shares230.7K Views
The medical industry is constantly evolving. New research and technology continue to expand healthcare so quickly that trends rapidly come and go. If you’re new to the medical industry and seeking your first position after completing your medical school requirements, taking a quick glance at some current and upcoming trends can be helpful.
Retail Medicine
Retail medicine isn't a new concept and describes a situation when a medical office is located inside a retail center. However, retail medicine is becoming more prominent than ever before, with medical offices inside CVS, Walgreens, Rite Aid, and Target. Retail medicine gives patients even more healthcare options that fit busy schedules. Patients can seek medical care for minor conditions without taking time off from work or scheduling an appointment. Retail medicine can also be a more cost-effective option for patients without health insurance. Retail providers typically have more competitive pricing while still accepting many health insurance plans.
Telehealth
Telehealth took off during the COVID-19 pandemic when healthcare offices requested that patients with symptoms stay home. Patients with other medical concerns also hoped to avoid medical offices, which were hot spots for contracting the virus. The COVID-19 pandemic taught us the convenience of telehealth, which allows patients to visit with their physicians without figuring out transportation or childcare.
Telehealth has made medical care more accessible to some patients, including those who live in more rural settings or have mobility issues. Telehealth still has some room to grow, especially as lawmakers figure out the logistics of medical professionals licensed in one state offering telehealth services to patients in other states. In the meantime, though, online physician assistant jobscan provide physicians with an additional source of income while expanding their medical reach.
Digital appointments are even more beneficial in medical care industries in which in-person visits aren’t always a requirement, such as psychiatric care. Patients can express concerns about their mental healthwith online physicians without the anxieties of an in-person visit.
Medical Staff Shortages
Medical staff shortages continue to be a problem in the medical industry. Many states struggle to meet patient demand with low physician numbers. This means that new physicians may have more control over where they work. However, it also means that they may have more patients per caseload than what was the case for physicians many years ago.
The Association of American Medical Collegesestimates that physician demand will exceed the current supply by over 37,000 by 2034. The medical industry isn’t just short on physicians either. The United States is also experiencing a shortage of nurses, therapists, and physician assistants. In some cases, the medical staff shortages have even led to physicians with specialties offering primary care services.
Modern Technology
Technology continues to influence and modernize almost all aspects of life, including medical care. In addition to technologies that make healthcare more accessible and consistent, modern technology also aims to improve confidentiality. An increase in data breaches has made many Americans uneasy about storing their health records online.
Telehealth can make it even more difficult to maintain confidential information. You’ll also notice an increase in technology that makes telehealth easier. For example, eye doctors can now offer online vision appointments using hyper-focused cameras that give them a better view of the eyes.
Of course, modern technology also influences how today’s medical professionals offer treatment. Identifying symptom causes and providing treatment is faster than ever, allowing patients to begin recovery and move on with their lives.
More Patient Engagement
The internet has also made it easier for patients to be involved in their medical care. Online records make it easy for patients to review records and physician messages. Many offices are even set up to allow patients to email or text their physicians with questions or follow-up appointments related to their care.
Fewer insurance companies require patients to get a referral before seeking care from a medical specialist. Additionally, devices like the Apple Watch and other wearables allow patients to track things like heart rate. Today’s patients can even order their own fertility or genetic testing kits to complete at home without ever involving their physicians. Newer doctors who work with their patients can use this information to offer even better and more comprehensive medical care.
Making it through medical school can often make it feel like you’re disconnected from the rest of the world. You spend most of your time studying and learning, making it difficult to keep up with ever-changing trends. A few of the emerging trends in the medical industry today include more patient engagement and telehealth.
Katharine Tate
Author
Karan Emery
Reviewer
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