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GPs set to double down on digital transformation in 2022


CommBank Australia


31/01/2022 12:58:38 PM

SPONSORED: Telehealth becoming a permanent part of the healthcare system is the latest example of lasting digital shifts brought on by the pandemic.

GP at their computer.
Connectivity between providers, patients and government is set to drive the next generation of technology adoption.

For GPs, the digitisation of practice operations and the patient experience picked up significantly in 2021 and is expected to continue apace in the year ahead.
 
According to the latest CommBank GP Insights report, released in August 2021, investing in new technology ranked among practices’ top three growth strategies. Most practices intend to lift associated budgets in the next 12 months to support this approach.
 
This is despite more than one in two practices already spending more on technology than initially planned during 2021, as practices sought to keep pace with patients’ heightened expectations for digitally assisted interactions.
 
For CommBank Health Chief Executive Officer, Albert Naffah, 2021 was another watershed year for the digital transformation of general practice and Australia’s healthcare system more broadly.
 
‘We saw GPs respond rapidly to changing conditions and implement digital solutions to ensure continuity of care for Australians, all while managing the enormity of the vaccination rollout,’ Mr Naffah said.
 
‘Looking ahead, most GPs have signalled their intention to step up investment in technology to meet and exceed patient expectations and drive operational efficiencies.’ 
 
The research showed that patients are also noticing, with many indicating that they value the digital solutions adopted by practices. So, as we move into 2022, we look at where GPs are seeking to strengthen their digital capabilities and, in turn, advance their growth plans.
 
Bridging the physical and digital divide
One of the top benefits of an acceleration of digital interactions between patients and practices amid the pandemic has been the ability to deliver care remotely.
 
The GP Insights research shows telehealth usage remains elevated, jumping from 4% of all consultations before the pandemic, peaking at 51% in 2020 and settling at 23% in August 2021.
 
Moreover, almost nine in 10 patients were satisfied with their telehealth experience, and 69% of GPs agreed that it aided the patient experience. When the research was conducted, the vast majority of both practices and patients supported the continued government funding.
 
Encouragingly, this is now moving ahead following a commitment from the Federal Government of more than $100 million to facilitate a permanent telehealth program.
 
According to the research, the proliferation of digitally assisted care and remote patient engagement extends beyond telehealth. One in four GPs intend to begin monitoring patient health via remote mobile devices over the next two years, making it the top area of growth for technology adoption.  
 
‘We saw investment in online bookings, reminders and integrated payments solutions grow during the pandemic to the point where they are widely offered by practices,’ Mr Naffah said.
 
‘Now, some of the lesser adopted technologies like remote patient monitoring and practice portals to share medical information are set to accelerate in the next 18 months. It’s a sign the sector will continue to mature digitally.’
 
The road ahead
In 2021, there were two crucial drivers of technology adoption among practices: Improving practice efficiencies and streamlining engagement with patients. In 2022, the stage is set for this to extend into new areas and capabilities at both the practice and practitioner levels.
 
‘The transition to the hybrid delivery of care, where physical and digital consultations and patient interactions are delivered seamlessly, will remain a feature of general practice,’ Mr Naffah said.
 
‘This, and connectivity between providers, patients and government, is set to drive the next generation of technology adoption.’
 
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This article is intended to provide general information of an educational nature only. It does not have regard to the financial situation or needs of any reader and must not be relied upon as financial product advice. You should consider seeking independent financial advice before making any decision based on this information. The information in this article and any opinions, conclusions or recommendations are reasonably held or made, based on the information available at the time of its publication but no representation or warranty, either expressed or implied, is made or provided as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of any statement made in this article. Commonwealth Bank of Australia ABN 48 123 123 124. AFSL and Australian Credit Licence 234945.



CommBank GP Insights technology telehealth


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Dr Arshad Hussain Merchant   1/02/2022 6:51:29 AM

Medicare rebate for Telehealth in age care has been stopped from 1/1/2022! And Telehealth Medicare rebate in practice is only limited to item B… so yes general practice is going digital but at your own cost


Dr Henry Arthur Berenson   1/02/2022 12:40:48 PM

I would suggest a two tier billing system, higher rebates for video than for phone consults. I would also keep it simple, appropriate rebates on a time based scale rather than having to find mental health items to account for consults. Many consults have a component of physical as well as mental issues that need addressing. Asking patients to book in for separate components of their health care goes against the grain.