Telehealth services have firmly established themselves as a core component of modern healthcare, especially with the exponential
growth in demand following the global pandemic.
Since then, telehealth has evolved to go beyond providing virtual appointments, ensuring that both patients and providers can provide a more seamless, inclusive, efficient, and secure experience. In doing so, it leverages an array of features that are critical for delivering and receiving care.
Looking ahead to 2025, the must-have functionalities that we’re about to highlight will become integral to telehealth systems – driving better patient outcomes and more efficient processes for providers. Here are the top telehealth features that should be on your radar for the new year:
1. Group Sessions
Group therapy, education, or support sessions have become a game-changer in telehealth services. Telehealth platforms that offer group sessions allow multiple patients to participate in one virtual meeting with a healthcare provider.
Benefits:
- Scalability for healthcare providers, enabling them to manage multiple patients simultaneously.
- Encourages community support, especially for patients in mental health programs or chronic care groups.
- Saves time and resources for both providers and patients. Instead of repeating the same information one-on-one, providers can host group discussions for wider reach.
For behavioral health services, particularly, group sessions have shown to be highly effective for community building and learning from one another’s shared experiences.
2. Security and HIPAA Compliance
If telehealth is to remain successful, patient trust must be the foundation. That’s why advanced security features and compliance with HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) regulations are non-negotiable.
Benefits:
- Protects patient data from cyber threats and breaches through encryption and strict protocols.
- Ensures legal compliance, preventing costly penalties associated with violations.
- Bolsters patient confidence, knowing their sensitive information remains secure.
As we approach 2025, airtight security will be absolutely vital as an increasing number of people use telehealth platforms.
3. Virtual Waiting Room
Patients don’t want to stare at a blank desktop screen waiting for an appointment. The virtual waiting room feature allows for a more streamlined experience. Patients can fill out forms, submit payments, and ensure they are prepared for their session. That way, they make the most of their time spent waiting for their appointment.
Benefits:
- Reduces perceived wait times by providing a seamless transition from waiting to consultation.
- Improves patient satisfaction by allowing patients to prepare for their session rather than holding on to a digital line.
- Gives providers more control over appointment queues, making the process smoother for everyone.
4. Appointment Scheduling
The best telehealth platforms will include integrated scheduling tools that allow patients to conveniently manage their healthcare with just a few clicks. They will also include things like text notifications or reminders so patients are less likely to miss their appointments.
Benefits:
- Optimizes the appointment booking process by making it intuitive and user-friendly.
- Reduces administrative burdens for practices, with fewer phone calls to manage.
- Improves patient engagement and ensures better attendance at appointments and follow-ups.
By 2025, an intelligent scheduling system that integrates reminders and rescheduling options will become a must-have.
5. E-Documents for Efficiency
Telehealth platforms that allow the seamless sharing, filling, and signing of documents have removed bureaucratic hurdles in healthcare. For providers, this can be extremely helpful as it automates patient data collection, thereby streamlining processes and enhancing overall care continuity.
Benefits:
- Eliminates paperwork delays by enabling instant digital document exchange.
- Helps achieve environmental sustainability through reduced paper usage.
- Speeds up processes for HIPAA forms, consent agreements, and prescriptions, ensuring faster patient care.
For both providers and patients, e-documents reduce administrative hassle, creating a more streamlined experience.
6. Interpretation Services for Inclusivity
The modern healthcare system must cater to diverse communities, and interpretation services are a hallmark of telehealth inclusivity. Telehealth platforms have evolved to include language interpreters that span several languages, including American Sign Language.
Benefits:
- Provides equal access to non-English speaking or deaf patients.
- Ensures better communication with patients, improving outcomes and reducing misunderstandings.
- Expands the reach of telehealth platforms, making them more versatile and inclusive of all populations.
7. Masked Calling for Privacy
Privacy in telehealth extends beyond digital interactions—it includes phone consultations, too. Masked calling ensures that personal phone numbers are kept confidential for both patients and providers, allowing for greater privacy.
Benefits:
- Protects privacy and security for communication between patients and providers.
- Prevents breaches of confidentiality in sensitive cases.
- Builds trust, particularly in mental health, sexual health, or other private consultations.
8. System Integrations and Open API
Interoperability is one of the biggest challenges in healthcare today. With system integrations and support for open APIs, telehealth platforms can easily connect with existing healthcare software.
Benefits:
- Streamlines workflows by syncing telehealth with electronic health records (EHR) systems.
- Enhances interoperability, reducing data silos and ensuring that providers can access patient information effortlessly.
- Saves time and reduces the risk of human error, as systems can automatically update information.
9. Image Capture and Scanning
Telehealth platforms with built-in image capture functionality allow patients and providers to share visual data in real time. This can be helpful in scenarios where a provider needs to conduct a visual check-up, such as those undertaken in dermatology visits or verifying prescription medications.
Benefits:
- Enhances remote diagnosis by enabling providers to assess visual symptoms (like skin conditions) through high-quality image uploads.
- Allows providers to scan or annotate images for better treatment planning.
- Streamlines file sharing, making diagnostic processes quicker and more convenient.
SecureVideo Is On the Cutting-Edge of Telehealth in 2025
As 2025 approaches, the focus will remain on creating a well-rounded experience for patients and providers and emphasizing security, efficiency, and accessibility. The above mentioned features will be critical to these priorities, and for this reason, they will become a mainstay across telehealth platforms.
SecureVideo is continuing to integrate more cutting-edge technologies within our platform to ensure an optimal care experience for everyone involved. Healthcare providers and telehealth companies that adopt these functionalities now will not only deliver superior care but also gain a significant competitive edge as telehealth technology continues to advance.
If you’re a provider or an organization considering upgrading your telehealth platform, connect with SecureVideo today for a free telehealth trial. Our advanced features will keep your practice ahead of the evolving healthcare industry while ensuring a more efficient and patient-centric experience.