Telehealth may seem like a modern solution, but its roots trace back over a century. As technology has evolved, so has our ability to deliver patient care remotely. Telehealth breaks down geographic barriers, improves access, and reshapes the patient-provider relationship. In this blog, we’ll explore how telehealth began, how it has grown, and where it’s heading next.
The Early Days: Telehealth Before the Internet
Telehealth’s story begins before smartphones and the internet. Actually, In the early 20th century, physicians used the telephone to consult with patients, offer follow-up care, and coordinate with other medical professionals.
By the 1950s and 60s, hospitals and universities began experimenting with closed-circuit television to connect clinicians and share expertise. According to UNMC, one early example was a two-way television system between Nebraska Psychiatric Institute and Norfolk State Hospital, allowing remote psychiatric consultations.
While innovative, early telehealth solutions were limited by high costs, slow data transmission, and a lack of infrastructure.
The Rise of the Internet and Digital Health
The 1990s brought the internet and with it, came new possibilities for remote patient care. Email, websites, and online portals made it easier to exchange health information digitally. By the early 2000s, telehealth platforms began to emerge that allowed real-time video visits, supported by more widespread broadband internet access.
Government interest in digital health began to grow, and with legislation like the HITECH Act of 2009, electronic health records and interoperability became national priorities.
Telehealth’s Rising Point: COVID-19 Pandemic
The global COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 marked a turning point for telehealth. Practically overnight, video visits became a necessity, instead of a convenience. Providers who had never offered remote care quickly adopted platforms like SecureVideo to stay connected with patients.
Federal and state regulations were relaxed to support the shift as we were in a medical global emergency. Insurance companies expanded telehealth coverage. Additionally, patients discovered the comfort and safety of seeing their providers from homes instead of in-person.
By mid-2020, a study published in the Journal of General Internal Medicine found that telemedicine claims were 4,000% higher in March 2020. What started as a temporary solution soon proved to be a lasting transformation.
What’s Next? The Future of Telehealth
Telehealth is here to stay—but it’s also evolving. Here’s what we can expect going forward:
1. Hybrid Care Models
Providers are blending in-person and virtual care to offer flexibility and convenience. Routine follow-ups, chronic condition management, and behavioral health visits are increasingly done via video, while more complex care remains in-person. This gives both patients and providers the opportunity to choose their preference of appointment type.
2. AI-Powered Tools
Artificial intelligence is enhancing telehealth by assisting with diagnosis, triaging patients, automating documentation, and analyzing data in real-time. These tools allow clinicians to work more efficiently and deliver more personalized care. It also allows some virtual assistance like note-taking, automated scheduling and more to streamline patient care.
3. Connected Devices and Remote Monitoring
Wearables and smart health devices are feeding real-time data to telehealth platforms, enabling better remote monitoring of patients with chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, or COPD.
4. Telehealth Integration with EHRs
Seamless integration with electronic health records (EHRs) ensures continuity of care, better documentation, and improved provider workflows. Platforms like SecureVideo are working to create a unified experience across systems. By connecting telehealth into your EHR it allows your operations to continue seamlessly.
5. Expanding Access and Equity
Future advancements aim to close the digital divide, bringing telehealth to rural, underserved, and low-income communities through mobile-first solutions, language support, and affordable internet access.
SecureVideo: Supporting the Future of Connected Care
At SecureVideo, we’ve been helping organizations deliver high-quality, HIPAA-compliant telehealth since before it was mainstream. Whether you’re a solo practitioner or part of a large healthcare network, we provide reliable, customizable tools to help you serve patients wherever they are.
Telehealth’s journey is far from over, but the road ahead is bright, and we’re here to support you every step of the way. Ready to take the next step in your telehealth journey? Get started today or request a demo to see SecureVideo in action.