Gastrointestinal (GI) disorders impact millions of people every year. Hospitals that provide access to these specialists through telemedicine can break through the geographical barriers that prevent patients from receiving the prompt care they need.
Using Telemedicine Gastroenterology Services to Improve Care Access
Every hospital has its own challenges and staffing needs. Whether adding GI telehealth to your staff is best depends on the specialists you already have and your area’s demand for gastroenterology. However, generally speaking, GI is among the top fields with the highest predicted provider deficit.
A Predicted Gastroenterology Deficit as Demand Rises
Because the population is living longer, the U.S. is experiencing an increased need for age-related GI care. The Census Bureau projected a 10.6% population growth from 2019 to 2023 and 42.4% in those 65 and older.
Increased population longevity isn’t necessarily a bad thing. However, we aren’t matching the aging population with the physicians needed to meet the demand. Daniel J. Pambianco, MD, FACG, managing partner of GastroHealth in Charlottesville, Virginia and ACG president, told Healio Gastroenterology he believes that the pandemic played a significant role in this deficit because it led to many GI physicians retiring early. Pambianco stated, “Unfortunately, and inevitably, the underserved areas and populations will have disproportionate deferrals in their care.”
Tele-GI: The Solution for Gastroenterology Shortages
The solution to this growing problem is adding a telemedicine program to support your hospital’s GI needs. Some of the GI-specific benefits of a GI telehealth program include the following.
Tele-GI Benefits:
- 24/7 Access to Gastroenterologists
- Increased Early Detection of GI Conditions
- Improved Time-to-Treatment
- Increased Specialist Revenue
Telehealth GI Doctors at Eagle: Treated Conditions
Which telehealth provider to use can be a difficult, yet important, decision. At Eagle, we believe our Tele-GI services will serve you best. However, we realize that you need the facts to make the best decision for your hospital, so here they are. Below is a list of the conditions Eagle tele-GI specialists can diagnose and the care they can provide.
Conditions Tele-Gastroenterologists Can Diagnose
- Esophageal Disorders
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Pancreatitis
- Inflammatory bowel disease and irritable bowel syndrome
- pylori & other Infections
- Microscopic colitis
Care Tele-Gastroenterologists Provide
- Full physical exam with the on-site nurse
- Order diagnostic testing
- Identify specialty-related diseases
- Manage chronic diseases
- Direct follow-up care
- Discuss diagnosis and treatment with the patient
Other Telemedicine Specialties Offered by Eagle
Gastroenterology isn’t the only specialty with a physician deficit. Across the country, hospitals are experiencing physician shortages. Thankfully, Eagle is here to help with over 17 specialties and physicians ready to support your staff. Explore Our Tele-Specialty Services
Related Posts:
Gastroenterology Telemedicine (Tele-GI) Services
MedCity News Article: Countering the Growing Physician Shortage with Telemedicine
