Digital Health Tools and Why They’re Essential

Insights from AHIP 2024 Consumer Experience and Digital Health Forum

At Hahn Health and Nutrition, we are passionate about working with clients that are essential for human health: digital health tools, payors, physician specialty practices, medical technology companies and nutrition brands. I recently attended the AHIP 2024 Consumer Experience and Digital Health Forum. The title of the conference says it all. All three days focused on how digital tools must make the consumer (patient) experience easier and better.

Healthcare is an industry marked by its complexities and regulations, which can make innovation seem like an uphill battle. Yet, at the AHIP 2024 Consumer Experience and Digital Health Forum in Nashville, I saw and heard about the impressive strides being made by some of the most innovative digital health companies in the industry. These companies are not just filling gaps in healthcare; they are transforming the very way we experience health and wellness.

The Power of Digital Health Tools

Some of the more well-known digital tools are telehealth, wearables, and electronic health records (EHRs). They’ve become indispensable in today’s healthcare landscape, particularly in a world that increasingly demands convenience, immediacy, and accessibility. And they’re revolutionizing how care is delivered. But there are so many more that are working behind the scenes in your health plan. These tools are not just trendy innovations—they are lifelines that can improve patient outcomes and streamline healthcare processes, especially during a time when significant healthcare disparities exist.

Take the maternal mortality crisis.  The Department of Health and Human Services says our country has one of the highest maternal mortality rates among industrialized nations. This includes increasing rates of complications from pregnancy or childbirth, and persistent disparities, especially among African American women. The conference highlighted a few digital health companies that are bending the curve, and I heard about compelling case studies that are showing proof of impact.

Another area where digital tools are helping patients, medical providers, and health plans is the explosion of weight-loss drugs, specifically, GLP-1s. These drugs now account for a staggering 30% of all prescription drug sales in the U.S. The implications for both consumers and healthcare providers are huge, especially as these drugs become more integrated into everyday care. Manufacturers are either promoting full medication coverage from insurance plans, or none at all. AI is helping to identify and resolve clinical gaps in weight loss programs, and help identify patients who should either stay on the drugs, discontinue them, or taper off and use other weight-loss strategies, such as nutrition planning with health coaches.

The Role of Technology in Underserved Communities

One of the most vital discussions at the conference centered around the role of technology in medically underserved communities. These are the populations that often face the greatest barriers to care, whether due to geographic, economic, or social factors. Digital tools have the potential to break down these barriers, improving communication and access to care.

Health Information Exchanges (HIEs) are playing an increasingly critical role. Acting as digital navigators, HIEs help connect the dots between disparate pieces of healthcare information, ensuring that everyone—from providers to patients—has access to the data they need when they need it most.

The Expanding Role of AI in Healthcare

Another hot topic at the conference was the role of artificial intelligence (AI) in healthcare. AI’s potential to analyze vast amounts of data, predict outcomes, and personalize care is truly transformative. However, with great power comes great responsibility. As AI becomes more ingrained in healthcare, ensuring that it is used ethically and equitably will be paramount.

Final Thoughts

It was an exciting few days at the AHIP Consumer Experience and Digital Health Forum, where healthcare trailblazers shared insights and innovations that will shape the future of our industry. As we move forward, the main takeaway is clear: Digital health tools and insurance plans must collaborate to create a more consumer-centric healthcare system. By doing so, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of their circumstances, has access to the care they need, when they need it most.