#23 – Telemedicine from Arkansas to Geisinger Health, a Healthcare Journey w/ David Fletcher

Introduction

Meena Mallipeddi hosts a discussion with David Fletcher, a seasoned healthcare professional with an illustrious career spanning over two decades. Fletcher’s noteworthy tenure includes spearheading telehealth initiatives at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and at Geisinger Health System. Through this conversation, we uncover Fletcher’s insights on the transformative potential of telemedicine in bridging healthcare gaps, and how Geisinger harnessed telehealth to navigate the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Tackling Geographic Barriers: The Arkansas Endeavor

David Fletcher’s journey began in Arkansas, where the scarcity of subspecialists posed significant healthcare access challenges for individuals in remote areas. His initiative of a maternal fetal medicine telemedicine program marked a significant stride in alleviating these geographical barriers.

Telehealth at Geisinger: From Integrated Care to Pandemic Response

Transitioning to Geisinger Health System, Fletcher’s leadership in telehealth found a conducive environment for innovation owing to Geisinger’s integrated model. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic necessitated a swift telemedicine pivot, where Geisinger’s move to create a unified platform showcased the system’s agility in scaling virtual visits from 800 to 50,000 a month.

Telemedicine for All: Breaking Age Stereotypes and Tailored Approaches

Contrary to the common assumption that telemedicine mainly caters to the tech-savvy younger generation, Fletcher’s experiences at Geisinger highlighted the inclusivity of telehealth services. The ‘Geisinger at Home’ program, exemplified a blended approach, offering a hybrid of in-person and virtual care catering to the elderly.

Bridging Healthcare Accessibility Gaps: Behavioral Health and Beyond

The transition to telemedicine proved to be a boon for behavioral health services at Geisinger, enhancing access to care. Further, by addressing patient concerns and educating them on the appropriate use of telemedicine, Geisinger could refine its telehealth strategy ensuring a broader reach.

Looking Forward: AI, Telemedicine, and Continuous Evolution

David Fletcher envisions a promising future with the integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in digital health tools, which can automate backend processes and enhance patient-provider interactions. This evolution, guided by patient feedback and continuous evaluation, hints at a more efficient and accessible healthcare landscape.

Slice Of Healthcare Wrap Up

David Fletcher’s narrative, as shared with Meena Mallipeddi, illuminates the vast potential of telehealth in transcending geographical and demographic barriers. The episodes encapsulate real-world examples of telemedicine’s significant impact on healthcare delivery, especially in challenging times, and pave the way for a future where telemedicine and emerging technologies create a more accessible and equitable healthcare ecosystem.