The last two years have been difficult for the healthcare sector all around the world. The COVID-19 pandemic initiated alarm and burden on the greatest healthcare systems, completely collapsing them. The pandemic led to several consequences, with healthcare workers suffering from great stress. However, the good thing that happened during the chaos was that healthcare organizations started to reap the complete benefits of Telemedicine EMR Software to offer prompt care to patients remotely. With vaccines coming in, things are now controlled and people are not panicked as they were when the coronavirus hit.

Post COVID-19 Pandemic consequences

Other consequences due to the pandemic which has emerged on the surface include,

  • Shortages of healthcare staff.
  • A rise in healthcare labor costs as there has been a greater demand in pay rates.
  • Payers had to cover COVID-related services which will make them look for other saving prospects such as pharmacy coverage or clinician pay.
  • The burden of healthcare costs is booming and is on the consumer.

4 Changes in the healthcare setting in 2023

In this article, we will look at how the healthcare landscape can change for providers and hence get prepared well as we approach the year 2023.

  1. A reduction in independent practices – One of the most expected changes includes a decline in small and independent medical practices. The main reason is that the margins for small clinics are shrinking. The healthcare system continues to move towards value-based care, getting away from revenue value units. The issue with non-physician-owned practices is that the people offering care will not gain the incentives of improved care quality and health outcomes at reduced costs. This can lead to staff dissatisfaction.
  2. Home-based healthcare – There will be a greater emphasis on home-based healthcare in 2023. Home health services which a patient receives at home are limitless. The requirement of home health services depends upon the situation of the patient. At-home care services include doctor care, nursing care, physical or speech therapy, and medical social services. The multi-billion dollar acquisition of home-based care companies by Fortune 10 healthcare organizations reflects that “big healthcare” is convinced with home care.
  3. Importance of interoperability – The government and healthcare IT vendors will focus more on interoperability in the coming year. Interoperable systems can support the smooth sharing of data which can enhance care coordination and hence make way for high-quality care. Healthcare providers can gain a comprehensive picture of a patient’s condition irrespective of where they have received care through the power of interoperability.
  4. Healthcare staff satisfaction – One trend which could gain importance in 2023 could be the Quadruple Aim, healthcare staff satisfaction. The Quadruple Aim is an extension of the Triple Aim which included improving patient experience, population health, and reducing costs. The Quadruple Aim includes the goal of enhancing staff satisfaction. When doctors and nurses are satisfied they will be in a better position to offer the best quality care to their patients.