Vivek Kaul, MD, a gastroenterologist at University of Rochester (N.Y.) Medical Center and Strong Memorial Hospital, joined Becker’s ASC Review to discuss the forces deciding the future of healthcare and how ASCs can thrive in a competitive market.
Editor’s note: This interview was edited lightly for clarity and brevity.
Question: What major forces are deciding the future of healthcare?
Dr. Vivek Kaul: Several factors will impact the future direction of healthcare, many related to the COVID-19 pandemic. Workforce attrition and physician shortages will continue to negatively impact patient access and care across subspecialties. Apps will likely assume greater responsibilities in the patient care pathway. Telemedicine is here to stay, but reimbursement models will need to be revisited and made more robust. Telemedicine access and delivery platforms will need to be more sophisticated.