Health Care 5 Years After COVID: What’s Changed, What’s Still to Come

Five years ago, our world was turned upside down. COVID-19 disrupted nearly every part of life — and our healthcare system was hit especially hard. As a registered nurse and patient advocate, I saw firsthand how the pandemic exposed gaps, sparked innovation, and permanently changed how we receive care.

While many of us have returned to our routines, the effects of COVID-19 are still shaping healthcare today — in both good and concerning ways.

Here are five ways the healthcare landscape has shifted since 2020, and what it means for patients moving forward:

1. Telehealth Went Mainstream — But Is It Here to Stay?

Before the pandemic, Medicare and many private insurers offered little to no coverage for virtual doctor visits. When COVID hit, emergency measures made telehealth more accessible than ever — and patients, especially seniors and those in rural areas, embraced it.

Research shows that virtual care outcomes are comparable to in-person visits, and the technology has only improved. But here’s the catch: those emergency orders are set to expire March 31. Without Congressional action, telehealth access may become far more limited.

📌 Advocate’s Tip: Contact your representatives and urge them to support ongoing telehealth access — especially if it’s been a lifeline for you or your loved ones.

2. Remote Monitoring Devices: Helpful or Harmful?

To reduce in-person visits, tech companies raced to develop tools that let patients monitor vital signs at home — from blood pressure to glucose to heart rate.

For many, this is a game-changer. It allows doctors to track chronic conditions remotely and intervene earlier.

But there’s a downside. Medicare pays doctors for each patient monitored — whether or not the data is actively reviewed. Some marketers are taking advantage of this by enrolling seniors without their doctors’ knowledge.

🚨 Caution: If you’re approached about remote monitoring, make sure your healthcare provider is informed and involved. When used appropriately, these tools can be powerful — but not every offer is trustworthy.

3. Vaccines Evolved Fast — Thanks to mRNA

The lightning-speed development of COVID vaccines was made possible by mRNA technology — a method that uses the virus’s genetic code to trigger immunity. That breakthrough has opened the door to new vaccines for RSV, the flu, HIV, cancer, and even Alzheimer’s.

Innovation sparked by the pandemic may improve public health for decades to come.

4. Long COVID: A Lingering Shadow

As of March 2024, 7% of U.S. adults — roughly 17 million people — still report having long COVID, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Symptoms like fatigue, brain fog, and muscle pain make this a difficult condition to diagnose and treat.

The most vulnerable groups? Seniors, the unvaccinated, and anyone with underlying conditions or a severe COVID infection.

We still have much to learn about how to prevent and treat long COVID — and many patients feel overlooked or dismissed. Advocacy is essential.

5. The Health Care Workforce Is Still in Crisis

COVID led to an exodus of medical professionals, many of whom experienced severe burnout and trauma. Staffing shortages remain widespread, and the impact on patients is real: longer wait times, higher complication rates, and increased risk of medical errors.

In my work as a private patient advocate, I’ve seen more families turning to advocates to help navigate care, manage delays, and ensure they’re not left behind.

Final Thoughts

COVID-19 changed health care forever — in ways both promising and problematic. While we can’t erase the hardships, we can build a more resilient, accessible, and patient-centered system by learning from the past.

If you or a loved one is struggling to navigate today’s healthcare system, you’re not alone. A private patient advocate can help.

📝 This article was originally featured in the Daily Herald. Read the original version here.