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Posted By Denton Dickerson On January 14, 2025

Top Public Health Trends for 2025

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Following a global pandemic, the field of public health has seen significant changes, leading to new innovations and reforms. As we look toward 2025, several emerging trends are set to influence our approach to health and wellness. Key areas such as digital health, mental health, and value-based care are at the forefront of this transformation. Let’s explore these important trends shaping public health’s future.

The Digital Health Revolution

Digital Health Integration has emerged as a cornerstone of modern healthcare, promising to enhance health outcomes through innovative technologies. Digital health, encompassing everything from electronic health records to wearable devices, is revolutionizing care services, making health management more accessible and efficient.

.EHRs are a pivotal component, enabling the seamless exchange of patient information across different healthcare providers. This not only enhances the efficiency of care delivery but also avoids unnecessary duplication of tests and procedures, reducing the overall cost of healthcare.

Telehealth has seen an extraordinary surge, breaking geographical barriers and ensuring that quality care is just a video call away. According to the American Medical Association, only 25% of physicians reported telehealth was being used at their practice in 2018. By 2022, that number grew to 74%. As we enter 2025, expect telemedicine to become a staple in healthcare systems, bridging the gap between patients and providers.

Bridging the Gap with Health Equity

The conversation around health equity has intensified, spotlighting the crucial need to ensure everyone has equal access to health services, regardless of their socio-economic status. The focus is on dismantling the barriers created by social determinants of health, advocating for a world where zip codes, education, or income do not dictate health outcomes.

Public health providers can enhance comprehensive care by integrating with Health Information Exchanges (HIE) or other health information sharing systems like Carequality. This allows them to identify and connect with individuals who may benefit from additional support beyond clinical care, ensuring a more holistic approach to health and wellbeing. Community empowerment has become a rallying cry in this battle against health disparities. By leveraging local knowledge and strengths, many public health providers across the US are fostering environments where healthy choices are accessible to all, not just a privileged few. 

Mental Health Takes Center Stage

The stigma surrounding mental health is rapidly dissolving, casting light on the importance of mental well-being as an integral component of whole-person care. The integration of mental health care into public services is gaining momentum, with an increased emphasis on preventive measures and accessible treatments. Healthcare providers must make sure that the EHR vendor they choose is able to handle both public and behavioral health needs. 

Global Health Security

As health systems become more globalized, cyberattacks will continue to threaten patient information and safety. Global health security becomes critical as more healthcare providers ditch paper-based records for electronic health records. Ransomware in healthcare is commonplace, so choosing an EHR that prioritizes protecting patient data is important. In addition to being HIPAA-Compliant, Your EHR vendor should include:

  • Multi-Factor Authentication
  • Role-Based Access Control
  • Secure SSL-encrypted data transfer
  • ONC Promoting Interoperability Certification
  • HL7 2.5.1 Certification

Value-Based Care

Expectations are rising for increased adoption of value-based care (VBC) by 2025, with the healthcare sector anticipated to take on greater responsibilities for the cost and quality of care. Despite dynamic changes in Medicare’s star ratings, Medicare Advantage enrollment is projected to increase to about 35.7 million individuals. Additionally, McKinsey & Co. predicts a significant growth in populations covered under VBC models, potentially reaching 90 million by 2027. This shift suggests growing confidence in VBC models amongst physicians, as almost half report that these diverse payment methods bolster financial security.

The Road Ahead

The future of public health appears both challenging and promising. By embracing innovation, advancing technology, and renewing our focus on public health, we can navigate the complexities of the 21st century with resilience and optimism. Stay informed, stay engaged, and let us collectively stride towards a brighter, healthier tomorrow. The transformation of public health is underway, and each of us has a role to play. At Patagonia Health, we are committed to being your guide through the latest public health news and innovations shaping our world. 


About Denton Dickerson

Denton is a marketing associate at Patagonia Health, an Electronic Health Records (EHR) software company serving Public and Behavioral Health departments across the United States. He is responsible for creating content, managing social media, and supporting marketing strategies, all driven by his passion for health and wellness.