There’s no single good reason why home healthcare isn’t flourishing in the United States. It’s well known that the population segment over 65 is, well, growing. It also doesn’t come as a surprise that most people in this demographic cherish their independence. Home healthcare technology could prevent or delay them from going to expensive institutions such as nursing homes and assisted-living facilities. And, of course, keeping people out of expensive institutions such as nursing homes or hospitals could be a good way to cut healthcare costs. So, it's clear that untapped potential exists in this area. 

We observe a daunting array of financial and operational barriers, including the misalignment of incentives between payers and providers, the need to demonstrate a strong clinical value proposition, and the problem of designing attractive, easy-to-use products that facilitate adoption by patients.

It will move ahead, however, only if stakeholders develop more equitable reimbursement models that create greater incentives to participate in the technology-enabled home health market. In addition, medical-device makers must focus on technologies that are easier to use, have a real impact on patients’ conditions, and make it possible to measure results.

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—Brian Buntz