By Dr. Priya Nair, Health Technology Reviewer
Last updated: June 28, 2026

How 2020’s Health Discontinuities Shattered Investment Norms

In 2020, a staggering 66% of telehealth users were newcomers to virtual care, illustrating a permanent shift in consumer mindset towards digital healthcare delivery, according to McKinsey & Company. This mass migration was not merely an adaptation to a crisis; it signified a seismic shift on a much broader scale, impacting investment strategies and industry standards across healthcare technology. As traditional healthcare systems crumbled under COVID-19’s weight, the resulting health discontinuities have forged new market dynamics many investors still overlook.

Investors must grasp the permanent changes proliferating in consumer behavior and tech adoption within healthcare to position their portfolios advantageously for future opportunities. Understanding these shifts is critical, especially in light of how fintech innovations are shaping service delivery in various sectors.

What Is Health Discontinuity?

Health discontinuity refers to abrupt and often transformative changes in healthcare delivery and consumption patterns, triggered by factors like technological advancements, public health crises, or regulatory shifts. It is crucial for investors and stakeholders because it can redefine service modalities and highlight new investment avenues.

Imagine health discontinuity like a tectonic plate shift; when plates collide or slide over one another, they create noticeable changes on the surface—even if the motion beneath has been ongoing for years. This concept becomes clearer when considering how health technology adoption has surged, influencing consumer habits fundamentally.

How Health Discontinuity Works in Practice

1. Teladoc Health: As a pioneer in telemedicine, Teladoc reported a remarkable 200% increase in virtual visits in 2020. Founded in 2002, Teladoc successfully navigated the pandemic, capturing newfound consumer acceptance for digital healthcare. In the previous year, virtual consultations scarcely held a place in healthcare delivery; now, they are integral, affirming the implication that investors should reassess the potential value of telehealth, particularly in light of AI advancements in health technology.

2. CVS Health: The acquisition of Aetna by CVS Health, finalized in 2018, proved to be a strategic move born from the needs catalyzed during the pandemic. The merger was not just about gaining a foothold in insurance; it was primarily aimed at technological integration to advance personalized care. This illustrates a growing trend toward synergy between healthcare and technology sectors, reflecting ideas discussed in our analysis of AI’s vast potential in health.

3. Epic Systems: In a 2020 surge, Epic Systems, a leading electronic health record provider, reported a 50% increase in demand for its services. As healthcare organizations transitioned to prioritize electronic records and telehealth, Epic’s ability to facilitate patient care improvements placed it in a prime growth position. Smart investors would notice how companies like Epic have bridged gaps created by health discontinuities, much like the impacts of big tech’s influence on market dynamics.

4. Zoom Video Communications: Zoom’s relevance skyrocketed as over 1.5 million healthcare-related meetings took place daily in 2020. This surge illustrates a critical evolution in communication within the healthcare sector, making a clear case for tech firms’ involvement in patient care methodologies and revealing vast untapped markets for investment. The role of digital communication tools has been a game changer, as discussed in our piece on how new health trends emerge.

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Common Mistakes and What to Avoid

1. **Ignoring Broader Economic Implications