(2024) Here Are The 7 Biggest Issues in Healthcare Right Now (2024)

Did you know that the global healthcare industry is expected to reach $11.9 trillion by 2025? However, as this sector expands, it brings a multitude of challenges and complexities alongside.

As we move into 2023, it is important to be aware of the current issues in healthcare; some biggest challenges that the industry is currently facing. This knowledge will help healthcare providers deliver high-quality care to patients. That said, let’s explore:

• Advancements in healthcare technology and their implications

• Solutions healthcare experts are employing to tackle these challenges head-on.

• Key challenges of the healthcare industry that demand immediate attention.

• The evolving landscape of policies and regulations

So, let’s hop on a journey to explore the 7 biggest challenges of the healthcare industry!

The escalating costs of healthcare services remain one of the most significant challenges in the healthcare industry in 2023. This issue is not confined to a specific region or country; it’s a global concern that needs to be addressed immediately.

Implications

Statistics reveal that healthcare expenses for American households have experienced a continuous annual increase since the year 2000. These growing expenses have far-reaching consequences for both individuals and the economy.

Here are a few major implications of the rising cost of healthcare services:

• Financial Strain: Skyrocketing medical bills force individuals into difficult financial predicaments. Many find themselves struggling to meet these expenses, leading to financial instability and stress.

• Deferred Medical Treatment: Unaffordable healthcare service prices often lead individuals to postpone or forego necessary medical treatment. In fact, a survey in 2021 found that 9% of adults in the U.S. delayed or didn’t receive necessary medical care due to cost concerns. This delay can result in more severe health conditions, further driving up healthcare costs.

• Financial Debt & Bankruptcy: Some individuals accrue massive debts or are forced to declare bankruptcy due to unmanageable healthcare expenses. It has become one of the leading causes of bankruptcy in the United States.

Is there a fix?

Thankfully, advancements in healthcare technology offer a ray of hope in addressing the challenge of rising healthcare service costs in 2023. These technological innovations not only improve patient health outcomes but also reduce the need for costly medical interventions. For example:

• Health Information Technology (HIT): Implementing Electronic Health Records (EHRs) has significantly reduced outpatient care costs. A study led by Julia Adler-Milstein, published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, revealed that EHRs can lower the costs of outpatient care by about 3% after examining healthcare cost data over four years in nine communities. This suggests that better access to patient histories through EHRs can lead to more efficient and cost-effective healthcare delivery, especially in outpatient settings while reducing the likelihood of medical errors and their associated costs.

Patient management platforms like DocResponse integrate seamlessly with EHRs of medical practices to sync patient case data with itspatient schedulingand telemedicine capabilities so that doctors and teams can provide more efficient healthcare and reduce burnout.

• Digital Health Trackers: Using digital health technology can significantly cut healthcare costs by detecting and managing health issues early. A comprehensive study published in the Journal of Medical Internet Research in 2021 found that telehealth interventions reduced hospitalizations, both overall and for specific conditions, by up to 37 per 1000 patients. This reduction in hospital service use, including shorter hospital stays, demonstrates the cost-saving impact of digital health tools in managing patient health more effectively and efficiently.

Source: Freepik

• Healthcare providers face significant financial difficulties in 2023, which can impact their ability to deliver value-based care. These challenges stem from various factors, including the complexities of healthcare reimbursem*nt, rising operational costs, and regulatory changes.

Implications

The financial difficulties faced by healthcare providers have significant implications for the healthcare industry and patient care. These include:

• Financial Strain: Providers are under considerable financial strain due to increased costs and revenue losses. Fitch Ratings reported that nonprofit hospitals are expected to continue facing labor supply shortages and pressured margins into 2024. This strain impacts their ability to invest in equipment, facilities, and staff, ultimately affecting the quality of care they can provide.

  • CMS Policy Changes: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) issued final rules for the 2024 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule, including a 1.25% decrease in payment rates from 2023 to 2024. These changes, such as the new add-on code for complex care in primary settings, will impact healthcare providers’ financial operations.

  • Health Equity Focus: CMS is addressing health equity with coding and payment changes. This includes expanding access to mental health, substance use disorder treatment, and dental care for cancer patients, aiming to improve care quality and address unmet social needs.

• Patient Access: Financially strained providers may limit services or reduce patient capacity, potentially limiting healthcare access for some communities. The sector is dividing into groups with varying credit quality, which affects their operational stability and ability to provide services.

• Quality of Care: Financial constraints may lead to tough decisions that could compromise care quality. This includes staff reductions, service cutbacks, or deferring equipment upgrades. Providers with unionized staff face additional challenges due to increased labor costs and organized labor activities.

Solutions

At the moment, several technology-driven solutions are helping healthcare providers save money and streamline their operations. Here are a few major ones:

• Electronic Health Record (EHR) Systems: Medical Software tied to EHR systems streamlines administrative tasks, reduces duplication of data entry, and minimizes storage costs associated with paper records. These efficiencies save time and money while improving the accuracy of medical records.

  • Additionally, hospitals and Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs) that meet quality reporting requirements are expected to see a3.1% increase in payment rates in 2024, based on the projected hospital market basket increase, which should provide some financial relief.

• Cloud Storage: HIPAA-compliant cloud storage options have revolutionized data storage for healthcare practices. The expense and maintenance burden of in-house storage has been significantly reduced, allowing providers to access data securely and efficiently.

  • ☝️ Online award-winning patient management platforms like DocResponse make pre-visit information gathering simple with HIPAA-compliantdigital patient intake forms and templatesthat save paper, pile-up, and can be modified without new print-outs. Medical staff can access them from the cloud on any secure device in the organization.

• Healthcare Automation Tools: Appointment scheduling, digital check-in, and payment reminders are among the healthcare automation tools that have enhanced efficiency while reducing errors. These innovations not only save time but also contribute to cost reduction.

  • This is why adopting solutions like patient self-schedulingwith auto text and email reminders is great to alleviate the stress of a practice’s administrative team for booking patients for an appointment and collecting payment.

• Telemedicine:Telemedicine has emerged as a valuable tool, allowing doctors to consult with patients remotely through software platforms. This innovation eliminates the need for physical visits,reducing costsassociated with office space, utilities, and the need for extensive administrative staff.

Looking for a telemedicine solution for your practice? DocResponse’s telemedicine softwarelets you deliver urgent care and medical treatment plans via virtual consultations. Patients can handle consent, medical history, and payments ahead of each session, reducing the work on your end. No apps. No downloads. Just a link to connect.

According to a recent study by Robert Half, 89% of healthcare managers are struggling to find new talent. The healthcare industry is facing a critical shortage of professionals, with implications for both healthcare delivery and patient care.

According to a Kaiser Family Foundation/Washington Post poll, about 30% of healthcare workers have considered leaving their profession, with 60% reporting pandemic-related stress impacting their mental health. This stress, along with other pressures, has led to critical staffing shortages in hospitals across the country. The American Hospital Association’s American Organization for Nursing Leadership survey also identified “emotional health and well-being of staff” as a top challenge contributing to these shortages.

Implications

The shortage of healthcare professionals carries profound implications for both the healthcare industry and patient care. Let’s explore them:

• Increased Demand: An aging population has led to a growing demand for healthcare services. This demographic shift places immense pressure on an already limited healthcare workforce.

• Quality of Care: A shortage of healthcare professionals can lead to the hiring of those who are not adequately trained or experienced. This, in turn, can result in negative outcomes regarding patient care.

• Workforce Stress and Turnover: About 3 in 10 healthcare workers have considered leaving their profession, with many citing pandemic-related stress as a key factor. This level of burnout, along with ongoing COVID-19 surges, has led to critical staffing shortages in hospitals across the country.

• Financial Impact on Hospitals: Staffing shortages have driven an increase in wages, forcing hospitals to invest significantly in recruiting and retaining staff. This has exacerbated financial hardships for hospitals, with a considerable number projected to operate at a loss.

An analysis of EMSI data predicts a shortage of 3.2 million healthcare workers by 2026, highlighting the scale of the challenge and the need for a comprehensive solution against a very real health threat.

Solution

Fortunately, organizations are utilizing a combination of various approaches to overcome this shortage.

• Improving Working Conditions & Benefits: To retain existing professionals and attract new talent, health systems can enhance working conditions. This includes offering more competitive salaries, flexible work schedules, and opportunities for career advancement. These improvements can make the profession more appealing and encourage professionals to stay in the field.

• Flexible Staffing Models: Adopt more flexible staffing models that allow for part-time, temporary, or shared positions to attract a broader range of applicants, including those who may be unable to commit to full-time roles.

• Recruiting Internationally:With today’s telehealth solutions on the market, practices can look to recruit professionals remotely from other countries (so long as they hold the appropriate local credential requirements) to address gaps in specialized care like oncology or cardiology, ensuring proper integration and support systems are in place for international hires.

• Technology Integration: Increasing the use of technology in healthcare can help reduce workloads for healthcare professionals. Automation of routine tasks, electronic health records, and telemedicine can streamline processes, allowing professionals to focus on patient care rather than administrative burdens. By reducing the strain on the workforce, technology can help mitigate the effects of the shortage.

In light of the challenges presented by the shortage of healthcare professionals, integrating technology into healthcare practices becomes a crucial solution. That’s where DocResponse steps in. By making patient-doctor interactions more efficient, it can significantly alleviate the burden on healthcare professionals. Are you a healthcare provider? Schedule a demo today.

Challenge

One of the pressing challenges in the healthcare industry of 2023 is the urgent need for improved mental healthcare. This challenge has been underscored by a growing recognition of the mental health crisis. For instance, according to World Health Organization around 280 million people worldwide are facing depression.

Implications

The implications of the mental healthcare crisis are far-reaching and profound. Not only does it have a significant impact on the well-being of individuals, but it also places a considerable burden on healthcare systems, economies, and society as a whole.

Some key implications include:

• Increased Economic Costs: Mental health issues result in substantial economic costs through lost productivity, increased healthcare utilization, and the burden of disability benefits. These costs are expected to rise if mental & public health challenges are not adequately addressed.

• Reduced Quality of Life: Mental health problems can diminish the quality of life for those affected and their families. Untreated mental illnesses can lead to disability, unemployment, and social isolation.

• Overburdened Healthcare Systems: Healthcare systems are struggling to meet the growing demand for mental health services. Long wait times for therapy, lack of access to specialized care, and insufficient resources all contribute to the strain on healthcare providers.

• Stigma & Discrimination: Stigmatization of mental health issues remains a significant barrier to seeking help. Many individuals still hesitate to discuss their mental health concerns openly due to fear of discrimination or societal judgment.

Solution

Healthcare providers are constantly working to mitigate this challenge. Here’s what strategies and solutions they have created to overcome the crisis:

• Integration of Mental Health Services: Integrating mental health services into primary care settings can help reduce barriers to access. This approach ensures that individuals receive comprehensive care that addresses both their physical and mental health needs.

• Telehealth and Digital Mental Health Platforms: The use of telehealth and digital mental health platforms has expanded significantly, making mental health services more accessible, especially in remote or underserved areas. These platforms offer therapy, counseling, and self-help resources online, reaching a broader audience.

• Mental Health Parity Laws: Governments and health systems are working to enforce and expand mental health parity laws. These mental health equity initiatives ensure that mental health services are covered by insurance plans to the same extent as physical health services, reducing financial barriers to care.

Source: Freepik

Challenge

The healthcare industry is facing an increased demand for personalized care. This shift is primarily driven by the rise of consumerism within healthcare, which has fundamentally changed the behavior and expectations of patients.

With easy access to vast amounts of medical information online, patients are now more informed and empowered than ever before. They no longer passively accept treatment options but actively seek healthcare solutions that cater to their unique needs and preferences.

Implications

This shift towards personalized care comes with several significant implications for the healthcare industry:

• Complexity of Treatment: Personalized care often requires a more intricate approach to diagnosis and treatment. Healthcare providers must invest more time and resources to understand each patient’s unique health profile.

• Data Management: To provide personalized care effectively, health systems must manage vast amounts of patient data securely. This involves data storage, privacy, and compliance with regulations such as HIPAA.

• Resource Allocation: Meeting the demand for personalized care may strain healthcare resources, including medical staff, diagnostic equipment, and specialized treatments. This can lead to resource allocation challenges.

• Costs and Affordability: While personalized care can yield better outcomes, it can also be expensive. This raises questions about affordability and access for all patients, regardless of their economic status.

Solution

To address the challenge of increased demand for personalized care in the healthcare industry, several strategies and solutions have been adopted. These include:

• Remote Patient Monitoring: Providers are leveraging remote patient monitoring tools to offer personalized care. These devices can automatically track vital health data, enabling continuous care outside traditional clinical settings. By 2024, it is estimated that approximately 75% of healthcare facilities in the United States will be using remote patient monitoring technology.

• Mobile Apps: Mobile apps empower patients to actively engage in their health management. Patients can monitor various aspects of their health, receive real-time feedback, and access personalized health advice through these applications.

• Data Analytics: Advanced data analytics and artificial intelligence are used to process vast amounts of patient data. This enables healthcare providers to identify personalized treatment plans, predict health trends, and improve patient outcomes.

P.S., DocResponse’s telemedicine software allows you to eliminate the travel and waiting rooms while presenting all of a patient’s medical information in one easy display so you can deliver personalized care to patients anywhere.

In 2023, the healthcare industry faces a major challenge regarding big data and cybersecurity threats. With the increasing adoption of data-driven approaches, big data analytics has become an integral part of improving patient outcomes, reducing costs, and enhancing population health management.

However, the extensive reliance on big data in healthcare facilities introduces significant cybersecurity vulnerabilities.

Implications

The consequences of failing to address big data and cybersecurity challenges in healthcare are complex and far-reaching. For example:

• Data Breaches and Legal Consequences: The breach of sensitive patient information can have severe legal ramifications. Health systems can face lawsuits, fines, and legal liabilities when patient data is compromised.

• Financial Losses: The healthcare sector has consistently been a prime target for cyberattacks, with a 53% increase in the number of healthcare breaches since 2020. Such incidents can result in significant financial losses for healthcare organizations.

• Reputation Damage: A data breach can tarnish the reputation of healthcare providers. Patients may lose confidence in a healthcare organization’s ability to protect their personal information, leading to a decline in patient volume and trust.

Solution

To address these challenges effectively, health systems are considering the following solutions:

• Advanced Cybersecurity Solutions: Many firms invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies to create a robust defense against evolving cyber threats. These include intrusion detection systems, threat intelligence platforms, and advanced firewalls.

• Robust Policies and Procedures:

• Regular Security Audits: Healthcare organizations are conducting regular security audits and assessments to proactively identify vulnerabilities and ensure ongoing compliance with cybersecurity best practices.

• Data Encryption: Encryption of sensitive patient data, both during transmission and storage, is being widely implemented to protect information from unauthorized access.

• Access Control: Organizations are enforcing strict access controls, employing role-based access policies and robust authentication mechanisms to limit access to patient data to authorized personnel only.

• Employee Training: Healthcare professionals and staff are receiving formal training in cybersecurity best practices. This education equips them with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize and respond to potential health threats effectively.

The regulatory landscape in healthcare is in a constant state of evolution, and 2023 is no exception. New laws and regulations, both at the federal and state levels, are being introduced, amended, or repealed, posing a formidable challenge for healthcare providers. Health systems often find these compliance requirements complex and time-consuming.

Implications

Now, let’s explore the implications of these regulatory changes on healthcare providers:

• Compliance Burden: Healthcare providers are grappling with an ever-increasing compliance burden, as they must adapt to new regulations while maintaining adherence to existing ones. This not only demands significant financial resources but also strains administrative capacity.

• Financial Uncertainty: Rapid regulatory changes introduce financial uncertainty. Providers may face reimbursem*nt cuts, penalties for non-compliance, or unexpected costs associated with adapting to new requirements. This uncertainty can hinder long-term planning and investment.

• Operational Disruption: Adhering to new regulations often necessitates operational changes, such as updating electronic health record systems or revising care protocols. These disruptions can affect the efficiency and quality of patient care.

• Data Privacy and Security: With the increasing digitization of healthcare, regulatory changes often involve stricter data privacy and security requirements. Healthcare providers must invest in robust cybersecurity measures to protect patient information, adding to their operational challenges.

• Evolving Legislation and Reforms: Healthcare stakeholders are under pressure to articulate their cost-to-value narrative as quality and cost information becomes more accessible. New legislation aimed at lowering healthcare costs through increased transparency and competition is emerging, but the impact on 2024 compliance remains uncertain

• Mental Health and Transparency Provisions: The stringent compliance requirements of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, along with the transparency provisions of the 2021 Consolidated Appropriations Act, place additional burdens on healthcare providers. They must adapt their practices to meet these new standards, which can involve significant adjustments in how mental health services are provided and reported, as well as in how healthcare costs and billing processes are disclosed to patients and regulators.

• Litigation and State-Level Regulations: The ongoing litigation and the evolution of state-level regulations, especially regarding paid leave laws and prescription drug pricing reforms, create a dynamic and sometimes uncertain regulatory environment. Healthcare providers must navigate these changes while managing the risk of non-compliance and adapting to different regulatory requirements across states. This can lead to operational complexities and require additional resources to ensure compliance at both state and federal levels.

Solution

Here’s what health systems are doing in order to address this challenge:

• Compliance Committees: Many health systems are establishing dedicated compliance committees or task forces. These groups are responsible for monitoring regulatory changes, interpreting their impact, and developing strategies to ensure compliance. They facilitate communication between departments, enabling swift responses to regulatory updates.

• Advanced Health Information Systems: Healthcare providers are increasingly adopting advanced health information systems and electronic health records (EHRs). These systems are designed to be adaptable, allowing organizations to quickly adjust to new compliance requirements, streamline documentation, and enhance patient data security.

• Compliance Audits & Monitoring: Health systems are conducting regular internal audits and compliance monitoring to identify and address potential issues before they escalate. These proactive measures help prevent costly legal consequences and reputational damage.

To wrap it up, the healthcare industry today faces many significant challenges, from financial burdens to maternal health difficulties. As the industry evolves, it’s crucial to address these challenges proactively to ensure high-quality healthcare delivery.

While navigating these challenges, healthcare leaders should consider investing in technology. That’s where DocResponse steps in. This tool simplifies the interaction between doctors and patients, addressing several outlined challenges. So visit DocResponse today and streamline your clinical processes!