Telehealth broadband infrastructure in underserved communities

When I think about New Jersey and the rise of telehealth, I see it as a truly transformative force in healthcare. Over the past decade, telehealth has grown into one of the most powerful tools in medicine, but it really hit its stride during the pandemic. According to the New Jersey Department of Health, telehealth usage surged by a whopping 154% in 2020, a trend I couldn't help but notice.

The pandemic showed us that telehealth was more than just a backup plan; it became essential. People stayed at home, but they still needed access to healthcare. Telehealth stepped in, making it easy for patients to connect with doctors, manage prescriptions, attend check-ups, and get mental health support — all without leaving the house. But as much as we've seen it grow, I think we're only scratching the surface, especially when it comes to ensuring that all New Jersey residents can benefit from it.

One of the things that hits me hard is how telehealth can close the gap in underserved areas. There are parts of New Jersey where people simply don't have easy access to healthcare — whether it's specialists or even general practitioners. The beauty of telehealth is that it can bring care directly to those people, no matter where they live.

That said, it isn't without its hurdles. Rural communities, for example, often don't have the high-speed internet required to make telehealth work. I can't help but feel frustrated knowing that the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) reports nearly 30 million Americans lack access to adequate broadband, and that number includes many in rural New Jersey. Without reliable internet, these residents are still left in the dark, no matter how advanced telehealth becomes.

Telehealth holds so much promise for solving these disparities, and it offers benefits that go beyond location. For instance, patients with chronic illnesses can connect regularly with their healthcare providers without needing to schedule and travel for every appointment. And for those managing mental health issues, telehealth makes therapy more accessible and private, removing some of the stigma tied to visiting a mental health clinic in person.

On the flip side, there are still real barriers that stop telehealth from reaching its full potential. A lack of high-speed internet, digital literacy issues, and inconsistent insurance coverage are all roadblocks. Even for those who can access telehealth, I’ve seen how older adults and people who aren’t tech-savvy struggle to use the platforms. Addressing these challenges means offering support and education to patients who might not feel comfortable using the technology.

Also, as much as telehealth proved its worth during the pandemic, we still need clearer insurance policies to make it a sustainable option. Insurers need to recognize the value of telehealth and make it consistently covered across Medicare, Medicaid, and private plans. Without this support, telehealth may falter when it could be flourishing.

There’s another factor we can’t ignore: security. Healthcare data is highly sensitive, and patients need to trust that their information is safe. Strong cybersecurity measures are crucial to building that trust and ensuring telehealth’s future success.

So, what’s the way forward? For starters, I think we need to invest in broadband infrastructure in underserved communities. Without it, all the advances in telehealth won’t mean much to people who can’t even log on. Digital literacy programs are also a must. We need to make sure that people, especially older adults, know how to use telehealth and feel comfortable doing so.

Insurance reform is another key piece of the puzzle. We’ve seen how telehealth can improve healthcare access, but it won’t become a long-term solution if insurance companies don’t step up and make it a standard part of their coverage.

Looking ahead, I can see telehealth playing a pivotal role in creating a more inclusive, patient-centered healthcare system in New Jersey. It has the power to bring healthcare to everyone, regardless of where they live or what they earn. But for that to happen, we need to break down the barriers that are keeping it from reaching its full potential. I’m optimistic that with the right investments and support, telehealth will continue to reshape the way we think about healthcare in the Garden State and beyond.