The text discusses the increasing investment in digital health technologies by healthcare purchasers.
According to a survey conducted by the Peterson Health Technology Institute (PHTI), a majority of healthcare organizations are not only increasing their digital health budgets but also planning to expand their investments in this sector in the coming year.
The survey findings show that approximately 75% of respondents have increased their digital health budgets over the past two years, with plans for further growth in the next fiscal year.
The primary motivation behind these investments is the pursuit of cost efficiencies compared to traditional treatment methods.
Healthcare purchasers are prioritizing digital health technologies that have a proven track record and have demonstrated their value in real-world settings.
The survey also highlights that employers and health plans have different evaluation criteria for digital health purchases, with the majority of standards being internally set.
Contracting practices between healthcare purchasers and digital health companies vary, with most health plans having direct contracts and employers utilizing formularies or pharmacy benefit managers.
However, the short contract durations of one to two years present a challenge for both purchasers and providers, as it may not allow enough time for digital health technologies to showcase their effectiveness.
The commitment to investing in digital health technologies reflects a broader trend towards innovation and efficiency in the healthcare sector, with a growing emphasis on value-based care.