What’s standing in the way of excellent primary care for everyone, and what can we do about it? TytoCare CEO and co-founder Dedi Gilad shares his vision.

THE CURRENT STATE OF PRIMARY CARE

Remote primary care has changed a lot over the last few years, and we are currently at a pivotal moment in its development. Current programs struggle to fully support the complex relationship between remote care and critical business metrics. It has become exceedingly difficult to balance total cost of care with growing market share while increasing quality and equity of care, as growth in one area can mean reduction in others. This is in addition to the other challenges faced by health systems, such as the severe shortage of clinicians. Significant barriers prevent people from accessing quality healthcare. Geographic and social disparities, along with limited clinician availability, make it difficult for people to attain the regular, proactive care that could keep them well throughout their lives. As a result, many people go without care or are forced to utilize EDs and urgent care centers.

HOME IS WHERE HEALTH SHOULD BE

Exceptional primary care from home can alleviate many of the challenges currently faced by the healthcare industry globally. The home, which is the epicenter of our lives, is already a place from which we access many other services successfully – from food orders to banking.

The pandemic brought home-based healthcare into the spotlight, and in its aftermath, the home has become increasingly central to primary care delivery. Home-based care addresses critical business metrics such as accurate diagnostic capabilities, improved retention and acquisition, equitable access to care, visit resolution, and member engagement.

Funding for home-based care continues to rise, with the home seen as the preferable place to receive care in many cases. Barriers such as internet connectivity are being alleviated by federal funding, to the delight of members, providers, and health plans. Moving healthcare to the home can improve health outcomes, shorten hospital stays, and increase patient satisfaction.