What do diabetes, thyroid disorders, osteoporosis, infertility, cholesterol problems and high blood pressure all have in common? They are all treated by endocrinologists!
Patients juggling one or many of these issues can find obtaining the care they need difficult. In the face of modern healthcare, two pressing problems have emerged as front runners for the future of endocrinology. Healthcare systems must overcome the mounting pressures of an aging patient population and physician workforce while also meeting the escalating demand of endocrine-related treatment. These challenges demand innovative solutions.
An Impending Wave of Retirements
Concerningly, 46.7% of active physicians in the United States are 55 or older. This demographic is especially pronounced in endocrinology. A staggering 39% of the 6,068 practicing endocrinologists fall into this age group, signaling a looming wave of retirements over the next decade. As these experienced professionals step away from their practices, the already sluggish pipeline of new endocrinologists entering the field will become a critical concern.
The Growing Demand for Endocrinology
Compounding this, the need for endocrinology services is intensifying, driven by the dual forces of an aging population and the increasing prevalence of chronic conditions like obesity and diabetes. Physiological and hormonal changes make older adults more susceptible to endocrine disorders. While the obesity epidemic, affecting nearly 42% of the population, continues to increase pressure on the healthcare specialty. Additionally, diabetes has reached alarming levels, with 1 in 10 Americans diagnosed and many more at risk or undiagnosed.
How Tele-Endocrinology Solves These Looming Concerns
Tele-Endocrinology offers a solution. Endocrinologists can extend their reach by providing virtual assessments, diagnoses and treatment plans to patients at hospitals and clinics across the country. This approach addresses the specialist shortage by meeting the growing demand for care and supporting in-person specialists, preventing burn out. Eagle’s Tele-Endocrinologists offer numerous benefits, for both hospitals and their patients:
- Access to Endocrinologists: Patients can receive quicker access to specialist evaluations and care, reducing the risk of complications from delayed treatment.
- Increased Early Detection: With remote monitoring and consultations, conditions like adrenal disorders, pancreatic issues and diabetes can be identified and treated earlier, improving outcomes.
- Improved Time-to-Treatment: Faster access to specialist care reduces the time to treatment, which is critical in managing chronic conditions.
- Enhanced Specialist Revenue: Hospitals can increase their revenue streams by offering specialized care without full-time, on-site specialists.
- Reduced Physician Recruiting Costs: Telemedicine reduces costly and time-consuming recruitment efforts for on-site specialists.
- Improved Community Wellness: By increasing access to care, contributing to the overall health of communities, particularly in underserved areas.
- Reduced Patient Wait Times: Patients can avoid long appointment waits, leading to faster, more effective care.
- Enhanced Recurring Hospital ROI: By offering Tele-Endocrinology, hospitals can improve their return on investment through increased patient satisfaction and retention.
As the healthcare industry grapples with an aging workforce and a surge in endocrine disorders, Tele-Endocrinology offers a lifeline. Through this hybrid healthcare model, patients receive improved, specialized care. Eagle Telemedicine is helping ensure patients receive the timely, effective treatment they need. If you are interested in Tele-Endocrinology for your hospital or clinic, contact us today!
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