By Dr. Priya Nair, Health Technology Reviewer
Last updated: April 26, 2026
5 Surprising Ways Async Technology Transformed Health Care Delivery
Async technology isn’t just a buzzword in health care—it’s a transformative force reimagining how we deliver health services. A striking statistic from Health Affairs Journal reveals that 40% of patients in low-income areas feel more isolated due to reliance on async technologies. This revelation flips the narrative that these tools inherently enhance accessibility. While technologies like Epic Systems’ async scheduling and Teladoc’s remote consultations promise efficiency and broaden patient access, a closer look shows a more complicated reality. Async technology might make life easier for some, but it also risks widening the gulf in access for underserved populations.
What Is Async Technology?
Async technology refers to communication tools that allow users to send and receive information without requiring both parties to be engaged at the same time. Think of it like leaving a voicemail: you don’t need the recipient to be available at that moment. In healthcare, this manifests in chatbots, messaging platforms, and even asynchronous video consultations. The appeal is clear—these tools aim to optimize clinical workflows, reduce appointment backlogs, and offer patients more flexible communication channels. However, as patients increasingly rely on these technologies, the implications for access and equity become apparent.
How Async Technology Works in Practice
Async technology is not just theory; it is being implemented across various healthcare settings with varying degrees of success:
-
Epic Systems: The company pioneered async scheduling technology that enhanced clinic efficiency by 30%. However, many patients report confusion navigating the system. For instance, while it streamlines administrative tasks, patients shared they often felt overwhelmed with appointment reminders and were unclear about the next steps in their care. This duality highlights a gap in usability for individuals who may not possess high digital literacy.
-
Teladoc: During the COVID-19 pandemic, the company saw a staggering 150% increase in async consultations. Despite the surge in usage, a concerning 25% of users cited technological barriers—such as lack of access to devices or inadequate internet connectivity—that prevented them from taking full advantage of these services. This statistic paints a complex picture: increased access for some but not a universal solution.
-
Mayo Clinic: Research indicated that async monitoring could reduce hospital readmission rates by 20%. Yet, this benefit has not uniformly reached all demographics. Lower-income patients often lack ongoing digital engagement with health care, leading to questions about whether these outcomes reflect genuine equity in health delivery.
-
Medtronic: The company’s asynchronous monitoring systems for chronic diseases promise improved outcomes, particularly among those who are tech-savvy. However, older patients often struggle with adaptation, leading to feelings of frustration rather than empowerment. Their needs and preferences tend to be overlooked in the push for modernization.
Top Tools and Solutions
The surge in async technology has birthed numerous tools designed to enhance care delivery. Here are some noteworthy platforms:
| Tool | What it Does | Best For | Approximate Pricing |
|——————|—————————————————————————|—————————————|————————————-|
| Epic Systems | Async scheduling and management platform for healthcare facilities | Large health systems | Custom pricing |
| Teladoc | Telehealth consultations and monitoring services | Patients seeking remote care | Subscription model ($49 per visit) |
| Doxy.me | Free telemedicine solution for providers | Small practices or solo practitioners | Free, with paid premium features |
| HealthTap | Provides virtual consultations and health management | Patients needing quick answers | Free basic plan; $15/month for premium|
| MyChart | Patient portal offering access to records and async communication | Patients desiring personal control | Typically included with hospital services |
For those looking to enhance their workflow, platforms such as AWeber offer automation for patient engagement through personalized email communications, tailored for any practice size.
Disclosure: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. We may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This does not influence our recommendations.
Common Mistakes and What to Avoid
As async technology reshapes healthcare, the following common pitfalls can hinder its effectiveness:
-
Underestimating Education Needs: Many healthcare organizations implement async tools without adequate patient education. This oversight can leave patients bewildered, as seen from the confusion around Epic Systems’ scheduling. Ensuring users understand the systems promotes better engagement and usability.
-
Neglecting Accessibility: The push for async consultations often overlooks the tech divide. Teladoc, for example, faced barriers that made it clear many potential users lack the necessary tools. Providers must consider these gaps and offer alternative solutions or support, ensuring inclusivity.
-
Ignoring Patient Feedback: Async monitoring systems can lead to miscommunications. A study from Mayo Clinic indicated that 15% of patients experienced discrepancies in their treatment plans due to unclear communication. Consistent feedback mechanisms must be instituted, allowing patients to voice their experiences and challenges.
Where This Is Heading
The future of async technology in health care will likely focus on two trends:
-
Enhanced Training for Patients: As evidenced by current shortcomings, a more concerted effort to provide digital literacy training is essential. Companies like Epic Systems are acknowledging this and are working on how to equip patients with skills for digital navigation. Expect greater investment in educational resources tailored to vulnerable populations within the next year.
-
Hybrid Models: The blending of synchronous and asynchronous care will become more prevalent. The New England Journal of Medicine forecasts that hybrid approaches, which incorporate both in-person and remote care, will grow by over 60% by 2025. This shift intends to balance efficiency with the personal touch that many patients still value.
For health-conscious professionals and wellness enthusiasts, understanding these dynamics isn’t just an academic exercise; it’s critical for shaping equitable health solutions across various settings. The implications aren’t just for health systems but for tech investors and policymakers who must consider how to bridge the gaps created by these technologies.
FAQ
Q: What is async technology in health care?
A: Async technology refers to communication tools that let users exchange information at different times, enhancing flexibility in health care. Examples include messaging platforms and async video consultations that aim to improve patient access and ease administrative processes.
Q: How does async technology improve health care delivery?
A: By streamlining processes—like scheduling and consultations—async technology enhances clinic efficiency and increases patient reach. For instance, Epic Systems has reported a 30% boost in clinic efficiency through their async scheduling tool.
Q: What are some common issues patients face with async health tools?
A: Many patients report feeling isolated or confused when using async technologies. For example, 40% of patients in low-income areas expressed feelings of isolation, indicating that reliance on these tools may not always enhance access.
Q: Are there specific groups that benefit more from async technology?
A: Tech-savvy patients or those with higher digital literacy see better outcomes with async tools, but evidence suggests many lower-income and older patients are left behind, leading to significant disparities in care access.
Q: What is the future of async tech in health care?
A: Expect more hybrid care models that combine synchronous and asynchronous methods. Industry shifts are anticipated to focus on making digital health solutions accessible and achievable for all demographics over the next few years.
The evolution of async technology in healthcare must be a journey toward inclusivity rather than division—a challenge both providers and patients face moving forward.