According to E-visit.com (2016), the telemedicine industry was valued at $17.8 billion in 2014 and is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth of 18.4% from 2014 to 2020. The number of patients using e-visits will increase to 7 million in 2018 which is an increase from 350,000 in 2013 (E-visit.com, 2016). Currently 29 states are requiring health insurers to cover e-visit services across America (E-visit.com, 2016). E-visit.com (2016) states that the Veterans Health Administration post-cardiac arrest care program has seen hospital readmission decrease of up to 51% for heart failure and 44% for other illnesses. E-visit.com further mentions a study conducted on Geisinger Health Plan that showed patient readmissions were 44% lower in 30 days and 38% lower over 90 days, compared to patients not enrolled in the telemedicine program (E-visit.com, 2016). A large number of patients who use telemedicine services have indicated a similar or higher quality of care than in-person office visits (E-visit.com,
According to E-visit.com (2016), the telemedicine industry was valued at $17.8 billion in 2014 and is predicted to grow at a compound annual growth of 18.4% from 2014 to 2020. The number of patients using e-visits will increase to 7 million in 2018 which is an increase from 350,000 in 2013 (E-visit.com, 2016). Currently 29 states are requiring health insurers to cover e-visit services across America (E-visit.com, 2016). E-visit.com (2016) states that the Veterans Health Administration post-cardiac arrest care program has seen hospital readmission decrease of up to 51% for heart failure and 44% for other illnesses. E-visit.com further mentions a study conducted on Geisinger Health Plan that showed patient readmissions were 44% lower in 30 days and 38% lower over 90 days, compared to patients not enrolled in the telemedicine program (E-visit.com, 2016). A large number of patients who use telemedicine services have indicated a similar or higher quality of care than in-person office visits (E-visit.com,