Overcoming Behavioral Health Challenges: Iris Telehealth’s Technology-Driven Approach
Behavioral health challenges have intensified nationwide, with wait times for care stretching months and access in rural areas remaining inadequate. Telehealth innovations are emerging as a crucial bridge to close these gaps, particularly in behavioral health. The stakes are high and according to the 2023 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), 22.8% of U.S. adults experienced mental illness in the past year, yet significant barriers to accessing care persist
How can telehealth providers tackle these systemic inefficiencies while expanding access?
This episode of I Don’t Care with Dr. Kevin Stevenson features Andy Flanagan, CEO of Iris Telehealth. Flanagan brings his extensive experience in healthcare and technology to discuss how telehealth is revolutionizing behavioral health. The conversation dives into how Iris Telehealth uses innovative tools like AI and machine learning to optimize referral queues, enhance care continuity through embedded EMR systems, and expand access in underserved areas, including rural communities.
Highlights from the Episode
- AI in Behavioral Health: Iris Telehealth is leveraging machine learning to optimize referral queues, ensuring patients at the highest risk receive timely intervention. AI tools assist clinicians by predicting patient needs during encounters and providing actionable insights.
- Tackling Behavioral Health Challenges in Rural Areas: With virtual services across 43 states, Iris Telehealth helps community health centers and hospitals address systemic gaps in behavioral health. Their approach ensures seamless transitions of care and better access in resource-limited settings.
- Collaborative Care Models: Iris embeds its services into hospital EMRs to enhance care continuity, offering everything from emergency department support to outpatient therapy within the hospital’s existing ecosystem.
