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. 2025 Jun 18:27:e69095.
doi: 10.2196/69095.

Applications and Outcomes of Telehealth and Integrated Care in Men's Health Urology

Affiliations

Applications and Outcomes of Telehealth and Integrated Care in Men's Health Urology

Bryce Bisset et al. J Med Internet Res. .

Abstract

Men's health, particularly in the domain of urology, faces significant challenges in access to care, patient outcomes, and cost efficiency. Despite advances in medical treatment, conditions such as prostate cancer remain a leading cause of cancer-related death among men, with African American men disproportionately affected at twice the mortality rate of other groups. Compounding these challenges is a critical shortage of urologists, with 62% of US counties lacking a practicing urologist and only 1 new urologist entering the field for every 10 retiring. This shortage results in delayed diagnoses, increased rates of advanced-stage conditions, and significant health disparities. To address these pressing issues, telehealth and technology-based integrated care models present a promising solution. Telehealth expands access to specialized urological care by overcoming geographical barriers and offering virtual consultations, at-home diagnostics, and continuous patient engagement. Artificial intelligence-driven tools further enhance the efficiency and accuracy of care delivery, improving provider experience by automating administrative tasks and facilitating early intervention through predictive analytics. Furthermore, remote patient monitoring devices provide accurate, cost-effective, and highly accessible alternatives. These innovations reduce provider burnout, lower health care costs, and, critically, improve patient outcomes. This paper explores the potential of telehealth and integrated care in men's health urology as a practical pathway to bridging access gaps, enhancing care quality, and achieving cost savings. By leveraging digital health solutions, health care systems and employers can promote health equity, increase engagement, and ensure that all men receive timely and effective urological care.

Keywords: integrated care; men's health urology; quadruple aim; telehealth; trends in urology.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflicts of Interest: RA, JH, JB, and BB are affiliated with Bastion Health, a company providing telehealth and urology services. Bastion Health was not evaluated or discussed in this paper.

Figures

Figure 1.
Figure 1.. Major innovations in the development of health care and urology.
Figure 2.
Figure 2.. An overview of integrated care models. Patients are the focal point of technological innovations and collaboration between a network of caretakers [119]. AI: artificial intelligence; EHR: electronic health record.
Figure 3.
Figure 3.. Depiction of the review process of components of telehealth systems affecting providers and patients. These factors are analyzed through outcome analysis and reviewed in the context of the quadruple aim of health care. AI: artificial intelligence; EMR: electronic medical record.

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