Health care trends for 2022

The last two years have ushered in tremendous change in the health care industry. And more changes are yet to come as the nation continues to grapple with a new chapter in the global pandemic. Here are some things to keep on your radar this year.

One area that seems ripe for even more change this year is telehealth. The developments in health care dynamics due to the pandemic led to a spike in its popularity and all indications are that it’s a trend with staying power and room for growth. The American Hospital Association notes that 60 percent of surveyed consumers are asking for expanded options relating to telehealth visits, and telemedicine is being explored as a way to address a greater number of health care needs, such as the concerning increase in chronic conditions.

Already, implementation efforts for telehealth among providers are at an astonishing rate of 38 times higher than two years ago. Expect that expansion to continue, especially in underserved rural areas.

Making early healthcare more convenient

Another result of the pandemic is an indicator of a trend — automation. There are staffing issues that were exacerbated with the rise of COVID-19. The federal Health and Human Service agencies note that hospitals and other health care providers nationwide are grappling with staffing issues.

To that end, apps, assistants and other digital solutions are becoming more a part of the landscape of healthcare, at least when patients need early care. This means less of a workload for providers, convenience for those who need healthcare at this level, and an improved focus on follow-through when necessary.

Experts are also looking at another interesting trend: payment by subscription for healthcare providers. These can be used for the growing number of healthcare workers who no longer have full health insurance coverage due to the pandemic and how it changed the economy. It’s also being used by some as a supplement to standard health insurance. With convenience and transparency being touted, it’s something that more people in the workplace are considering, especially if they’re consultants or work outside of the standard “large office” environment.

Prioritizing mental health

There’s an emphasis on increasing offerings on the job for mental wellness and behavioral health. Among the benefits that may be more available at varying levels of the workplace are sessions with therapists or counselors, wellness center subsidies, changes in leave policy and other programs designed to promote mental health and help employees better handle stress and the demands of work and home.