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Aug 16, 20223 min read

What’s Next for Telemedicine: Directions and Opportunities Following COVID-19.

What’s Next for Telemedicine: Directions and Opportunities Following COVID-19.

Telemedicine has become a term we've heard frequently and become familiar with over the past 2-3 years, largely due to the major shift brought about by COVID-19.


This pandemic led many hospitals to adopt this new mode of medical service to align with the new normal. But an interesting question arises: What will the future hold for telemedicine in the post-COVID-19 era? Let’s explore.


What is Telemedicine?


Telemedicine refers to the technology that allows patients to consult with and receive diagnoses from doctors via real-time video conferences through applications.


COVID-19 as a Catalyst for the Telemedicine Trend


The unfavorable conditions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic—such as lockdown measures, social distancing, and increasing numbers of infected individuals leading to overcrowded hospitals—have all been significant turning points that have led to the widespread acceptance of telemedicine.


Telemedicine has become an unavoidable part of our lives as it provides a new, location-independent option for medical services that is perfectly suited to this crisis.


According to a market valuation report by BIS Research, the global telemedicine market was valued at $21.6 billion in 2019 and is projected to grow to $65.3 billion by 2026, with an average annual growth rate of 12.7%. The Asia-Pacific market, in particular, is expected to show the most significant growth. Thailand’s telemedicine market is also experiencing growth in line with global market trends.

The Next Normal for Telemedicine After the COVID-19


Many of you might wonder if, since telemedicine surged due to COVID-19, it will continue to thrive after the pandemic ends. MEDcury refers to a survey by McKinsey for insights.


The survey reveals that telemedicine usage in the U.S. surged 38 times during the COVID-19 pandemic but has maintained this level even as the pandemic has been controlled. Additionally, the survey indicates that both doctors and patients are highly satisfied with telemedicine, with satisfaction levels of 64% and 74%, respectively, and there is a strong likelihood that they will continue using such platforms in the future. This data reflects a permanent shift in telemedicine usage behavior.

However, telemedicine will not entirely replace traditional in-person consultations due to several limitations, including:


  • Doctors' unfamiliarity with using technology for online consultations.

  • The necessity of using specific tools, procedures, or laboratory tests to support medical decisions.

  • Telecommunication systems that are still not fully comprehensive.


Nevertheless, telemedicine enhances healthcare capabilities, particularly in fields where procedures are not required, such as dermatology and psychiatry. It also helps in monitoring symptoms and follow-up tests, allowing patients to receive consultations and results online, thus avoiding unnecessary travel to hospitals. Patients can also receive prescribed medications either at home or from local pharmacies.


This technology enables more comprehensive access to medical services, reduces costs, saves travel time, and helps alleviate hospital overcrowding.


Moreover, the scope of telemedicine services can be expanded beyond smartphone applications. For example, Ping An Good Doctor’s "One Minute Clinic" is available across 8 provinces in China. This telemedicine kiosk provides consultations and initial responses for up to 2,000 common diseases.


Using AI, the kiosk diagnoses by measuring vital signs and gathering information, and it can dispense medications from a selection of over a hundred types. If the required medication is unavailable, patients can order through the app to either pick up the medication from a nearby clinic or have it delivered within an hour.


The kiosk also keeps patient records connected to the Health Information System (HIS) of over 3,000 clinics and hospitals, enabling the referral of patients with serious conditions.


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