Healthcare is undergoing constant change, driven by challenges such as provider shortages, rising costs, and a more urgent need for equitable care delivery. Amid this transformation, virtual care has emerged as a game-changer, especially in acute care settings. Dr. Chris Gallagher, CEO of Access TeleCare, joined David Kemp on the Highway to Health podcast to discuss how telehealth is reshaping the healthcare industry and revolutionizing access to critical services.
Listen to the full episode here.
Bridging Gaps in Rural and Urban Areas
Access TeleCare specializes in providing virtual acute and behavioral health care solutions that address disparities in healthcare delivery, particularly in underserved populations in both rural and urban areas. Dr. Gallagher highlighted how Access TeleCare’s innovative telemedicine solutions bridge gaps for hospitals lacking specialized resources, such as infectious disease experts or critical care physicians.
“Today, our organization serves 20 percent of U.S. hospitals. We’ll have a million visits inside of healthcare systems this year,” Dr. Gallagher shared during the podcast.
Enhancing Timeliness and Patient Outcomes
A standout benefit of Access Telecare is its ability to provide timely care, which can dramatically improve patient outcomes.
“Patients are coming in, they’re being seen by the emergency department and stabilized, but then they’re being put on a helicopter or ambulance to another very busy hospital that may or may not have space for them,” explained Dr. Gallagher. “This is where Access TeleCare can step in and get the patient that specialized care they need within the four walls of the hospital.”
Through telemedicine, Access TeleCare enables hospitals to retain patients by connecting them with specialists virtually, reducing unnecessary transfers, and ensuring that care is delivered locally.
A Cost-Effective Solution to Staffing Challenges
Staffing shortages continue to strain healthcare systems, and the increasing costs of recruiting and retaining highly specialized physicians only exacerbate the financial burden on hospitals. Virtual care offers a sustainable solution by providing specialized medical expertise on demand, when and where it is needed. Access TeleCare’s telemedicine model not only enhances patient care but also supports hospital revenue by reducing costly patient transfers and offering a financially viable alternative to traditional staffing models.
Shaping the Future of Virtual Care
Dr. Gallagher’s conversation with David Kemp underscores the critical role telemedicine plays in addressing today’s healthcare challenges while setting the stage for a more accessible and equitable future. As Access TeleCare continues to innovate and grow, the mission remains clear: to expand access to high-quality, specialized care for millions of patients across the U.S., regardless of location or resource constraints.
Access TeleCare’s work exemplifies how technology and innovation can create a more connected and compassionate healthcare system, one where every patient has the opportunity to receive timely, specialized care without unnecessary barriers.
To hear more insights from Dr. Gallagher, tune into his episode of Highway to Health.
