Digital health faces reimbursement issues amidst rapid market growth

Another barrier is the initial cost of any digital health app.

The digital health market is rapidly expanding within the medical devices sector, however, continues to struggle with concerns about patient privacy and reimbursement options, said GlobalData.

According to David Beauchamp, GlobalData’s medical analyst, despite digital health’s potential to modernize patient care, the industry and reimbursement frameworks have not kept pace with its growth.

“As such, more widespread use of these devices is dependent on whether the industry is willing to incorporate the use of such devices into existing treatment plans, and if reimbursement policies are updated to include digital health,” the analyst said.

Another market barrier is the initial cost of any digital health app, which patients expect to be inexpensive and in line with other, non-medical apps. Programmes like Medicare often undervalue the costs of treatments.

“Hopefully, a more established framework for digital health reimbursement can be put in place so patients and physicians can take advantage of the benefits of these technologies,” Beauchamp added.