Latest news with #telehealth
ABC News
a day ago
- Health
- ABC News
Clients 'disgusted and appalled' by Ramsay Health Care psychology clinic shutdowns
Defence veteran Kate* has battled mental illness for more than a decade, at one point even attempting to take her own life. "I sort of hit rock bottom two and a half years ago again. I asked for help this time, which was good, and I've been getting help ever since with Ramsay," she said. "My psychologist gets me like no one else does." Kate was making significant progress before she received news from her therapist that her local Ramsay Psychology clinic would close at the end of August. Kate's psychologist told her Ramsay Health wanted to transition patients to telehealth appointments. "It feels like [Ramsay Health] didn't want [our psychologists] to tell us so that when we did find out, we would have no choice but to stay with them doing telehealth … instead of allowing our psychologist to work with us to sort something else out beforehand," she said. Last week, the ABC revealed Ramsay Health Care would close 17 of its 20 psychology clinics within weeks, citing concerns like rising costs and uneven demand. A briefing note sent to staff said Ramsay Health Care was "exploring the merits" of expanding its existing psychology telehealth services. The ABC has spoken to multiple psychologists employed at Ramsay Psychology clinics who did not want to be identified because they are not authorised to speak publicly. They said staff were "left completely in the dark" about the decision to close the clinics, describing the company's communication to staff as "appalling" and "shambolic". They also claim there were "zero warning signs" the clinics they worked at were about to close and that they were initially instructed not to communicate the planned closures to some of their patients and were given little time to plan. "It's heartbreaking to see our clients left out there in the community with no support," one psychologist told the ABC. "We have clients who have been attending our clinics for years and a lot of them have come out of sessions crying, because the psychologist told them that they will no longer be seen by them. "We will have to find a space to see these vulnerable clients and sometimes they are just not easy to find." Psychologists said they were told their contracts would be ending, but they might be able to pick up telehealth sessions, however it was unclear what that model would look like. Ramsay Health Care is Australia's largest private hospital operator, and its psychology clinics treat a range of high-risk patients with various mental health conditions, including young children, for conditions like depression or PTSD. The provider also runs a separate network of mental health clinics, however they will not be affected by the change. The President of the Australian Psychological Society, Dr Sara Quinn, said the closure of Ramsay Health's psychology clinics across multiple states would have a big impact on its patients. "When a local psychological service closes, it doesn't just remove that place for these people to go, it removes that trusted pathway into care for those who are most vulnerable," she said. "A closure forces people to start again with a new clinician if they're able to find one. And that can, for some people, involve retelling incredibly traumatic and difficult histories, navigating systems that they've never navigated before. "It can then lead to people falling through the cracks." Dr Quinn said clients with the most acute needs would be disproportionately affected. "The clinics that have been closed are closely connected to hospital mental health systems," she said. "People on psychiatry wait lists or those recently discharged from hospital are going to then lose critical follow-up care at the very moment they're potentially most at risk. "So instead of stabilising there, they're left in limbo and we know that many will deteriorate or even end up back in emergency or relapse to the point of needing another hospital admission," she said. Dr Quinn said the clinic closures have also sent shock waves through the profession. "Without urgent reform, closures like this are going to become more common and even more Australians will miss out on the mental health care they need and deserve." One week after Kate learned her local clinic was closing, she received an email from Ramsay Psychology confirming it would shut its doors at the end of August and offer clients telehealth sessions instead. Kate will be able to continue seeing her psychologist in person at another clinic but she said if that was not the case, she would have been "scrambling to find another one" because "there's no way I would have continued with Ramsay." In a statement, Ramsay Health Care said it, "has been working closely with psychologists and other stakeholders to ensure a safe and considered transition for clients impacted". The provider also said it had asked "psychologists to communicate directly with their clients and support them to continue care — either through our expanded telehealth services or with another trusted provider" and that "clients are being informed as part of this process". *Name has been changed to protect identity.
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
SkyMD inaugurates clinic in New Mexico to provide dermatology services
Dermatological services provider SkyMD has inaugurated a new clinic in New Mexico, US, enhancing specialised skin care accessibility for the local population. The Albuquerque-based facility introduces a hybrid model of care by providing in-person appointments, as well as virtual services for tele-dermatology. Local patients can now access direct consultations with board-certified medical doctors at the clinic, which complements SkyMD's telehealth platform. This care approach provides flexible options for individuals seeking expert dermatological care, ranging from routine skin checks to complex conditions and outpatient surgical procedures. SkyMD has a focus on skin cancer, with the new clinic employing dermatologists proficient in the diagnosis, early detection, and treatment of different skin cancer types. These include basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, and squamous cell carcinoma. SkyMD CEO Bart Calame said: "We are thrilled to bring SkyMD's patient-centric approach and specialised dermatology services to Albuquerque. "Our mission is to provide exceptional, accessible skin care. By opening this new clinic, we are not only expanding our footprint but also offering a unique hybrid model that combines the convenience of telehealth with the personalised care of in-person visits, particularly for critical areas like skin cancer detection and treatment. We look forward to becoming an integral part of the Albuquerque healthcare landscape." The Albuquerque clinic's range of services includes cosmetic, general, and surgical dermatology, along with specialised procedures, with a particular focus on skin cancer screenings and medical dermatology. All health insurance plans available in the state are accepted by SkyMD. "SkyMD inaugurates clinic in New Mexico to provide dermatology services" was originally created and published by Hospital Management, a GlobalData owned brand. The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site. Sign in to access your portfolio
The Independent
2 days ago
- Business
- The Independent
WeightWatchers boss says ‘exciting work to do' amid impact of weight loss jabs
WeightWatchers was slower to adapt to the emergence of anti-obesity jabs than rivals, its boss has admitted, as the 62-year-old brand strives to catch up with rapidly evolving attitudes towards weight loss. Tara Comonte, chief executive of the US-based business, said it had a lot of work to do after going through a 'reset'. WeightWatchers recently announced it had emerged from bankruptcy after writing off a portion of the 1.15 billion US dollar (£860 million) debt on its balance sheet. It came as the business was competing with the emergence of GLP-1s – the scientific term for weight loss jabs, which work by reducing food cravings – and a new wave of apps and advice spreading on social media. Ms Comonte told the PA news agency that it 'wasn't as quick to medical weight loss solutions' as some other firms in the US, notably so-called 'telehealth' businesses that offer healthcare remotely. WeightWatchers, which runs some 20,000 workshops each month globally, is now 'at the beginning of the journey' towards forging a new place in the industry and meeting demand from current and future members, Ms Comonte said. 'This whole industry is going through somewhat of a reset and we have exciting work to do,' she told the PA news agency. 'This is a moment where, possibly more than ever before, people are talking about weight, and weight health… where people are seeking more education than ever before, and there are more voices than ever before.' Ms Comonte said the brand was known for 'trust and science' and it was important to harness that 'as there are more and more voices in the ecosystem'. WeightWatchers recently partnered with anti-obesity drugs provider CheqUp in the UK so patients taking the medication can access its 'companion' diet and lifestyle support app. It forms part of its efforts to muscle into the market by offering behavioural strategies and community-based support to people using or coming off the medication. 'There's no 'us and them' anymore,' Ms Comonte told PA, hitting back at weight loss jabs often being pitted as rivals to its model. Dr Kim Boyde, WeightWatchers' newly appointed chief medical officer, said not all its members will want or need weight loss medication – but stressed that it was 'imperative' the programme offers it to those that might benefit. Recent estimates suggest that about 1.5 million people in the UK are taking weight loss jabs. Health officials have suggested that they can help to turn the tide on obesity, but have stressed they are not a silver bullet and do come with side effects.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Shift Toward Value-Based Care Encourages Health Systems to Partner with NEMT Providers
The non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) market is poised for growth through regulatory changes, expanding insurance coverage, and technological enhancements. Opportunities arise from streamlined service delivery via digital platforms, partnerships with telehealth, and innovative reimbursement models, bolstering patient outcomes and efficiency. Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Market Dublin, July 24, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Non-Emergency Medical Transportation - Global Strategic Business Report" report has been added to global market for Non-Emergency Medical Transportation was estimated at US$16.2 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$24.3 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 7.0% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Non-Emergency Medical Transportation market. Expanding coverage of NEMT services in public insurance plans has increased demand and funding. Providers are adopting advanced digital dispatch, routing, and tracking software to improve service efficiency and regulatory compliance. Partnerships with ride-hailing networks and telehealth platforms are supporting new integrated care offerings. Focus on patient outcomes and appointment attendance is motivating payers to reimburse more extensively for reliable NEMT services. Regulatory emphasis on accessible, safe medical transport continues encouraging investment in driver training and accessible vehicle fleets. Meanwhile, demand for convenient, on demand mobility solutions, especially among aging and mobility-impaired populations, is strengthening long term market growth. How Are Regulatory Shifts and Health Policies Reshaping Non Emergency Medical Transportation?Non-emergency medical transportation (NEMT) services provide vital mobility for patients who need assistance reaching appointments but do not require emergency care. Over the past few years, health policies have increasingly recognized reliable NEMT as essential to improving access and reducing hospital readmissions. Many public and private health insurers now include NEMT in benefit packages to ensure equitable care delivery. New regulations around Medicaid and value based care emphasize performance metrics-such as timeliness, safety, and patient satisfaction-pushing providers to upgrade services and healthcare systems transition from fee-for-service models to outcome-based payment, NEMT providers must demonstrate efficiency and quality standards. Licensing requirements, data transparency mandates, and safety audits have raised the bar for operational readiness. This regulatory environment encourages investment in fleet maintenance, driver training, and service monitoring platforms. It also prompts collaboration between healthcare networks, payers, and NEMT agencies to align on performance goals and agreed-upon Role Is Technology Playing in Enhancing Service Efficiency and Safety?Technology has become a cornerstone of modern NEMT operations. Sophisticated booking systems, often with cloud-based dashboards, allow coordination across providers and care settings. Real-time GPS monitoring, digital check-in features, and automated arrival notifications provide visibility into driver location and patient status. AI-driven routing and dynamic dispatch algorithms help minimize wait times, reduce idle mileage, and optimize resource vehicles now integrate safety technology, such as wheelchair securement systems, driver-assist cameras, and emergency alert functions. Electronic logging tools record trip details and patient interactions to comply with regulatory documentation and audit requirements. Mobile apps offer patients and caregivers easy access to trip details, reminders, and driver credentials. These integrated systems are improving trust, reducing missed appointments, and helping agencies manage higher service volumes with fewer Are Revenue Models and Partnerships Evolving in the NEMT Sector?Traditional NEMT providers often relied on contracts from Medicaid and hospital networks. Today, innovative models are emerging alongside those partnerships. Ride-share integration, shared mobility programs, and broker systems are reshaping how services are delivered and reimbursed. Through app-based platforms, agencies can dispatch rides on demand while maintaining compliance with medical transport NEMT providers are forming alliances with telehealth platforms, care-at-home programs, and chronic care management services. These partnerships allow for bundled care delivery, where transportation is coordinated alongside remote monitoring or in-home nursing visits. Outcome-based reimbursement models reward reduced no-show rates and better care continuity. Investment in NEMT technology startups has also attracted venture funding, enabling market entrants to scale rapidly through platform-driven efficiency and innovative service Features: Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030. In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa. Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as ABC Non-Emergency Medical Transportation LLC, Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc., American Medical Response (AMR), Ambulnz, CareSafe Transportation and more. Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments. Key Insights: Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Private Pay Patient Transportation Service segment, which is expected to reach US$13.2 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 6.0%. The Insurance Backed Patient Transportation Service segment is also set to grow at 8.0% CAGR over the analysis period. Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, estimated at $4.4 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 10.8% CAGR to reach $5.0 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific. Scope of Study: Service (Private Pay Patient Transportation Service, Insurance Backed Patient Transportation Service, Courier Services) Application (Dialysis Application, Routine Doctor Visits Application, Mental Health Related Appointments Application, Rehabilitation Application) End-Use (Hospitals & Clinics End-Use, Nursing Homes End-Use, Homecare Settings End-Use, MCO & State Agencies End-Use, Healthcare Payers End-Use) Key Attributes: Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 374 Forecast Period 2024 - 2030 Estimated Market Value in 2024 16.2 Billion Forecasted Market Value by 2030 24.3 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 7.0% Regions Covered Global Key Topics Covered: MARKET OVERVIEW Influencer Market Insights World Market Trajectories Tariff Impact on Global Supply Chain Patterns Non-Emergency Medical Transportation - Global Key Competitors Percentage Market Share in 2025 (E) Competitive Market Presence - Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial for Players Worldwide in 2025 (E) MARKET TRENDS & DRIVERS Rising Demand for Accessible Healthcare Services Drives Growth in Non-Emergency Medical Transportation (NEMT) Increase in Aging Population and Chronic Disease Prevalence Expands Utilization of Routine Medical Travel Services Expansion of Government-Funded Healthcare Programs Supports Reimbursement for NEMT Services Integration of Ride-Booking Platforms and Digital Scheduling Tools Enhances Operational Efficiency Growing Emphasis on Reducing Missed Appointments Strengthens Business Case for Reliable Transport Access Shift Toward Value-Based Care Encourages Health Systems to Partner with NEMT Providers Use of GPS and Real-Time Tracking Technologies Improves Safety and Coordination Across Transport Networks Rise in Ambulatory and Home-Based Care Models Increases Need for Scheduled, Non-Urgent Patient Mobility Participation of Ride-Hailing Giants in Healthcare Logistics Expands Service Reach and Cost Flexibility Availability of Specialized Vehicles and Trained Drivers Supports Transport of Patients with Mobility Limitations Growth in Dialysis, Rehabilitation, and Physical Therapy Visits Drives Repeat NEMT Utilization Telehealth Integration Spurs Hybrid Care Models Where NEMT Supports In-Person Diagnostics or Treatments FOCUS ON SELECT PLAYERS |Some of the 32 companies featured in this Non-Emergency Medical Transportation report ABC Non-Emergency Medical Transportation LLC Acadian Ambulance Service, Inc. American Medical Response (AMR) Ambulnz CareSafe Transportation Coastal Medical Transportation Systems LLC Crothall Healthcare Elite Medical Transport Falck a/S Global Medical Response, Inc. Lifeline VMT LogistiCare Solutions (ModivCare) London Medical Transportation Systems Inc. MediTrans MTM, Inc. Ridesharing Health (Uber Health/Lyft Health) Southeastrans, Inc. Transdev Group SA Veyo LLC Xpress Transportation For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Non-Emergency Medical Transportation Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Malay Mail
7 days ago
- Health
- Malay Mail
MCMC and Health Ministry team up to deliver e-health services via rural Nadi centres, says Fahmi
PAPAR, July 23 — The Ministry of Communications, through the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), is collaborating with the Ministry of Health (MOH) to provide e-health services at National Information Dissemination Centres (NADI), particularly at over 700 centres located in rural areas nationwide. Minister Datuk Fahmi Fadzil said that MCMC and MOH are exploring several digital health initiatives, including telehealth services and the use of drone technology to deliver medications from selected NADI centres to nearby health clinics, depending on location suitability. 'This collaboration has begun here, and we aim to expand it to all NADI centres across the country. Our goal is to provide telehealth services to help ease the burden on people living in remote areas. 'With high-speed internet available at NADI centres, these e-health services can be delivered efficiently through the NADI-health clinic network. This will allow patients to undergo health screenings without physically visiting the clinics.' Fahmi said this to reporters after attending the Community Engagement Day at NADI Kampung Langkuas Kinarut near here today, which was also attended by Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad. Also present were Communications Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohamad Fauzi Md Isa and MOH secretary-general Datuk Seri Suriani Ahmad. Elaborating on the initiative, Fahmi noted that the use of drone technology for medication delivery to rural health clinics is still in its pilot phase. 'A few months ago, the Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim) witnessed a drone-based medicine delivery demonstration at a NADI centre in Tawau. 'Going forward, we will hold discussions to map out the connectivity between NADI centres and health clinics. This process may be complex as it involves coordination with multiple agencies, especially concerning drone operations,' he said. Fahmi stressed that internet speed is key to making the initiative successful, alongside close cooperation between the Ministry of Communications, MCMC, and MOH. 'Some NADI centres still operate at 100 Mbps, while others have reached up to 1 Gbps. We aim to further improve these speeds. Also, there needs to be joint training sessions between MOH and NADI managers to ensure the effective delivery of telehealth services,' he noted. Fahmi added that the initial focus would be on rural areas, where the impact of such services would be most significant, especially in Sabah and Sarawak, with further discussions to determine which NADI and clinics would be included. Meanwhile, Dzulkefly expressed support for the initiative, saying it would enhance access to healthcare in rural communities through selected NADI centres. 'This collaboration will bring healthcare services closer to the people. It is a timely move, as community centres like NADI can also provide health-related services such as managing communicable and chronic diseases in these areas. 'Patients will no longer need to visit health clinics to access basic healthcare, as they can do so directly through telehealth services available at their local NADI centres,' he added. — Bernama
