Beyond Video Visits: How Sanford Health is Revolutionizing Rural Healthcare with a Comprehensive Virtual Care Strategy
The future of healthcare isn’t just in the clinic; it’s increasingly reaching patients wherever they are.At the recent INVEST Digital Health conference in Dallas, Sanford Health’s Dr. David newman outlined how his organization is leading the charge in expanding virtual care far beyond the common perception of simple video calls. This isn’t just about convenience – it’s about access, equity, and fundamentally changing how healthcare is delivered, particularly in underserved rural communities.
Sanford’s approach recognizes that ”virtual care” is a spectrum, not a single solution. They’ve built a robust system encompassing multiple modalities to meet diverse patient needs. Here’s a breakdown of their key strategies:
* Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM): actively managing chronic conditions from a distance, improving outcomes and reducing hospital readmissions.
* E-Visits: streamlined care for straightforward issues via secure questionnaires and provider responses.
* Remote Specialist Consultations: Bridging the gap in rural areas where access to specialists is severely limited.
* Verbal Visits (Phone Calls): A surprisingly effective and crucial option for patients with limited technology or challenging circumstances.
Addressing the Rural Healthcare Crisis: A Personal story
The challenges facing rural healthcare are stark. Dr. Newman, an endocrinologist practicing in North Dakota, highlighted the difficulty patients face simply seeing a specialist. “It takes roughly a year to get in to see me,” he explained, “which is completely unacceptable.” Weather conditions can further exacerbate the problem, delaying or canceling appointments for months.
Sanford’s philosophy is simple: deliver care regardless of a patient’s location. This commitment extends to incredibly resourceful solutions. Dr. Newman shared a compelling example: “He’s a rancher who lives on a ranch by himself. He has a rotary phone. I do virtual care that way - I deliver care through his rotary phone.”
This illustrates a critical point: virtual care isn’t always high-tech. Sometimes, the most effective solution is the most accessible.
Overcoming Barriers to Virtual Care Adoption
While technology access is often cited as a barrier,Sanford’s data reveals a surprising reality. “Roughly 99%” of their patients have broadband access. The real hurdles, according to Dr. Newman, are:
* Digital Literacy: Patients needing support navigating digital tools.
* Provider Resistance: Hesitancy among clinicians to embrace new care models.
Sanford tackles provider resistance through change management and demonstrating the tangible benefits of virtual care. Dr. Newman recounted a story about a colleague, a neurosurgeon named Dr. Adam Jackson, who initially dismissed virtual care as “stupid.” A blizzard forced Dr. Jackson to cancel in-person appointments, prompting a reluctant embrace of virtual visits. “At 6:15 in the morning, my phone goes off, and he kind of sheepishly puts his tail between his legs and says, ‘dave, I think I need to do this virtual care,'” Dr. Newman recalled.
The Financial and Practical Benefits of a Virtual-First Approach
Sanford isn’t just prioritizing patient access; they’re also demonstrating the financial prudence of virtual care. Their studies show important savings:
* Reduced Travel: Patients save an average of 176 miles per visit.
* Lower Costs: Each virtual visit saves patients approximately $300.
For sanford, an integrated health system managing risk for Medicare Advantage patients, virtual care is a strategic tool for closing care gaps and improving population health. They even incentivize participation with grocery gift cards,encouraging preventative care and follow-up.
In rural areas, Dr. Newman emphasizes, innovation isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity. The choice is often no care at all.
Looking ahead: Scaling Virtual Care for a Healthier Future
Sanford Health’s experience demonstrates that a comprehensive virtual care strategy can transform healthcare delivery, particularly for those in rural and underserved communities. By embracing a flexible, patient-centered approach and addressing the challenges of adoption, organizations can unlock the full potential of virtual care to improve access, outcomes, and the overall health of their populations. The key takeaway? virtual care isn’t just a trend; it’s a essential shift in how we deliver healthcare, and Sanford Health is leading the way.
Image Credit: Nick Fanion, Breaking Media.
