Your Guide to Emerging Healthcare Insights

Not long ago, these patients might have slipped through the cracks of the healthcare system. But today, they can receive critical care thanks to one of the most innovative trends our industry has seen over the last few years: mobile wound care clinics.

In a presentation given earlier this year and available in Wound Source, Dr. Haresh Kane, CEO of Kane Wound Care in New Jersey, explains the origins of mobile wound care: “… It’s a concept that was started in the early 2000s with this inherent need to provide bedside wound care, high-quality wound care, to patients who were, in essence, locked into their locations due to various constraints.”  

Mobile wound care can refer to a van or motor coach outfitted with the necessary tools and equipment that travels to various settings. It can also define private practice providers who are “mobile” and journey to where their services are needed. 

Why it Matters  

Mobile wound care has the potential to help a wide range of patient populations. One particularly challenging but crucial demographic is the unhoused. 

This group faces significant barriers to healthcare, including chronic non-healing wounds worsened by trauma, drug use, and poor hygiene due to unstable living conditions. Traditional healthcare services often fail to reach them, making mobile wound care a lifeline. 

Rural populations also struggle with accessing wound care. The distance to healthcare facilities, limited transportation options, and a shortage of providers can prevent people with chronic wounds from getting the consistent care they need. Mobile wound services have stepped up to address these gaps, delivering advanced wound care directly to patients’ homes. Long-term care and senior living facilities are also rapidly adopting mobile care models to meet residents’ needs. 

Prepare for 2025 

Mobile wound care is revolutionizing healthcare delivery, especially for patients in overlooked settings. The impact is even greater when digital wound care platforms integrate into these mobile services. These solutions make it easier to track progress, document care, and coordinate efforts among healthcare providers, helping to ensure that patients receive quality care wherever they are. 

To truly unlock mobile wound care’s full potential, we need to address ongoing challenges like sustainability, consistent follow-up care, and seamless integration into the broader healthcare system. With the right support and continued innovation, mobile wound care can become a foundational element of healthcare for underserved populations, ensuring that everyone, no matter their situation, has access to the care they need. 

Connection to Net Health 

Net Health has been a leader in the mobile wound care movement, providing technology solutions that empower providers. Through advanced Electronic Health Records (EHR) systems and Net Health^® Tissue Analytics, we enable providers to achieve the steps necessary for a successful mobile wound care program, including: 

• Accurate wound measurement – AI-powered apps can measure wound dimensions and depth using smartphone cameras. 
• Comprehensive documentation – These apps allow detailed documentation of wound care procedures, integrated directly into the EHR. 
• Progress tracking – Real-time monitoring of wound healing helps providers adjust treatment plans as needed. 
• Information sharing – Data can be easily shared with other healthcare team members, ensuring coordinated care. 
• Data-driven decisions – AI and EHR integrations give clinicians the tools they need to make informed treatment decisions. 

Mobile wound care will continue to grow as healthcare increasingly moves beyond the traditional hospital setting. According to Fortune Business Insights, the global wound care market is projected to reach over $2.9 billion by 2032, with mobile wound care technology playing a critical role in that growth. By investing in training, expanding digital health platforms, and building partnerships with local communities, providers can participate in this exciting trend, helping to make mobile wound care more accessible, effective, and resilient. 

Sources 
Mobile Wound Care: Understanding a Changing Paradigm 

What Is It?  

Over the past decade, the AI wound care market has grown significantly, with the market size projected to reach $16.4 billion by 2035. It’s no longer just an abstract technology concept; soon, virtually every wound care provider in the nation will be using AI in some capacity. 

Why It Matters 

As a wound care provider, think of the things you must do daily; the things that take time, can cause administrative headaches, and take you away from hands-on patient care. AI-powered wound care solutions matter because they are designed to handle those tasks and more, including staffing, scheduling, workflow, and marketing. Beyond this, AI can also automate supply orders, handle pre-certifications, and ensure appropriate billing. 

AI has multiple applications for wound care, including: 

1. Clinical Decision-Making: AI analyzes large datasets to identify trends and predict outcomes, allowing for more precise treatment plans. For instance, it can track wound healing progress to detect subtle changes and ensure timely interventions. 
2. Demand Forecasting: AI quickly analyzes data to predict patient volume or the number of visits needed for effective results. 
3. Reducing Cancellations: AI identifies patients likely to miss appointments by analyzing socioeconomic factors and visit patterns, allowing for timely reminders and scheduling adjustments. 
4. Optimized Employee Scheduling: Predictive analytics match patient needs with staff skills, ensuring efficient scheduling and care delivery. 

Because of all the efficiencies it brings, AI is also predicted to help manage costs. According to McKinsey, “broader adoption of AI could lead to savings between 5% and 10% in healthcare spending, or roughly $200 billion to $360 billion a year.”  

Prepare for 2025 

While there are tremendous opportunities for optimizing the benefits of AI today, more is on the horizon. For example, providers will soon be able to enhance face-to-face interactions by using ambient conversation capture to document patient visits and give providers more time with patients. What can you do to prepare for what’s on the horizon? A lot, starting with educating yourself about what AI is, how it works, and the concerns that must be addressed. Read journals, talk to colleagues at facilities who are already using AI, and reach out to your vendor partners. Consider tapping a colleague comfortable with technology to become your AI mentor. If you have an in-house technology team, make sure to get their feedback and insights.  

Connection to Net Health 

Net Health is one of the first wound care technology firms to embrace AI. Net Health® Tissue Analytics is powered by AI and is one of the more widely used advanced wound assessment platforms. It incorporates Net Health’s wound care database, one of the largest in the world, with sophisticated algorithms and imaging technologies to evaluate wound characteristics accurately. Through the analysis and data provided, clinicians capture wound images, automatically measure wound dimensions, and assess tissue composition.  

There are still issues to tackle. There are legitimate concerns about AI that must be addressed. However, the promise far outweighs the peril. Ultimately, AI will enhance patient care by providing timely, accurate insights and interventions, making it a valuable tool for the future of wound care. By reducing the burden on healthcare providers and improving patient outcomes, AI represents a significant advancement in the field of wound care. 

Sources 
Roots Analysis: AI in the Wound Care Market 

Reimbursement models such as bundled payments and capitated arrangements have become more common. Additionally, around 129 million people are now covered by Medicare and Medicaid. These programs have experienced significant changes in reimbursement, ranging from Value-Based Care (VBC) to Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) to Alternative Payment Models 

Why it Matters 

Each model has different guidelines, regulations, reimbursement formulas, and penalties. This means virtually every task undertaken by wound care providers has been affected. For example, hospital readmissions, a critical issue for wound care, have been tied to significant financial penalties under the Hospital Readmissions Reduction Program (HRRP). At the same time, reductions in reimbursement rates for certain services, particularly in outpatient wound care, have squeezed profit margins.  And that means we are all struggling to find innovative solutions to target critical areas. 

Prepare for the Future 

To adopt, more providers are exploring a number of options, from technology to new products to new staffing models. These represent massive changes. 

“Twenty-five years ago, wound care depended on two core areas: dressings that protected the wound and antimicrobial creams/ointments to control infection and bacteria in the wound. That was essentially it… Looking ahead, patients will be well-served by progress in the portability, mobility and enhanced convenience of advanced wound care treatment modalities.” – John Harper, Ph.D., noted industry expert as quoted in The Alliance of Wound Care Stakeholders. 

As an example of innovations in the field, there are now wound dressings that incorporate growth factors or biomaterials to promote tissue regeneration. When integrated into existing workflows, these products can reduce healing times and lower the risk of complications, leading to improved patient outcomes and reduced costs. 

As reimbursement models evolve, robust and reliable wound care data is also becoming a crucial tool for providers. By understanding which treatments are most cost-effective and yield the best outcomes, providers can implement strategies that align with both clinical goals and the financial realities of value-based care. Embracing innovations supported by evidence-based research and clinical trials ensures that these strategies deliver measurable value. 

Wound care leadership is essential to navigate the changing times and to ensure new models are economically viable for an organization. This involves analyzing outcome data, considering the potential impact on staffing, and evaluating the ease of integration into workflows. A strategic, data-driven approach to adopting new technologies can help ensure that innovations deliver on their promise to improve care while controlling costs. 

As wound care providers continue to operate within an increasingly complex reimbursement environment, adopting advanced technologies and methodologies is crucial to success. By staying informed about the latest trends and focusing on evidence-based solutions, providers can maximize the value of their wound care programs, enhance patient outcomes, and thrive in the ever-shifting reimbursement landscape. 

Connection to Net Health 

To navigate this changing landscape, providers are turning to technologies like digital wound management platforms that incorporate AI to assess wounds and predict healing trajectories. 

With technologies like Net Health® Tissue Analytics, patients can now receive wound assessments at home, reducing the need for in-person visits and allowing providers to catch complications early, thereby avoiding unnecessary hospitalizations. This shift toward remote and digital solutions is helping providers manage larger caseloads while maintaining the quality of care.

Artificial Intelligence is a buzzword in every industry in 2025, particularly for medical providers. Uses are rapidly evolving as the technology learns from expanded applications. AI can process large quantities of data quickly and cross-reference a set of data with what it has learned. This processing speed can benefit physical therapists and patients as the technology examines images and medical history to accurately predict healing, risk factors, root causes, and treatment plans. Rather than relying on one provider’s knowledge and experience, it can synthesize massive amounts of data to compare the patient to millions of other data points. This improves the accuracy of diagnosis and develops a more accurate treatment plan.  

Why it matters 

AI will continue to refine its suggestions for better, more effective treatment by adding data to the technology through documentation and measurement. Instead of following prescribed physical therapy programs, AI can help providers develop personalized treatment plans that consider a patient’s age, mobility, health history, and potential areas of concern. Customized plans will evolve as more information is gathered and the patient progresses through treatment and makes improvements. It can notice patterns, monitor trends, and predict needs quickly. Allowing AI to constantly iterate treatment plans in response to a patient’s progress leads to faster recovery times and more provider availability. This is particularly essential in rural or high-cost-of-living areas experiencing PT shortages.  

An additional layer of support AI can offer is monitoring sessions with patients. AI can measure and track even minute changes in mobility, pain, angles, posture, and balance. Employing wearable technology or motion capture technology during physical therapy improves the experience and the accuracy of documentation and future planning. AI and robotic coaches can fill gaps in support for patients during therapy. It can interact with patients, keeping them on track between appointments by reminding them to practice exercises and correcting unhelpful movement patterns.¹ 

AI also supports clinicians by completing paperwork, tracking documentation, and catching billing errors. Using AI to support clerical work will save the practice time and money. Integrated electronic medical records can proactively understand payer regulations and ensure compliance by alerting practices to errors. In a 2023 APTA study, three-quarters of providers reported that prior authorization requirements delayed treatment by more than 25%. Ten percent of claims are denied the first time they are processed, and most respondents report spending more than 30 minutes on each of these claims.² Using AI to screen documentation for errors before submission will save time and money for all physical therapy practices.  

While embracing AI to streamline administrative tasks and improve treatment is exciting, we can’t ignore that many people are still wary of this new technology, and it can pose privacy risks if not used correctly. When implementing AI technology into your practice, understand what it can and cannot do accurately. Carefully select your technology provider by screening their security, backup methods, and privacy regulations. Medical providers have access to large amounts of personal data and are responsible for protecting it, even if they use AI to support treatment and billing.  

Prepare for the future 

Be open to embracing the right AI technology for your practice. Identify areas where big data sets and natural language models will save time and make you more effective. Research the possibilities for AI to transform your billing systems and treatment planning.  

Why? Because today’s consumers are actively seeking ways to be more earth-friendly. Business News Daily reports that 71% of consumers have chosen a product over the last six months for its sustainability credentials. And that means that even in wound care, providers should explore wound care products that offer eco-friendly options. Whether we call this quest eco-healing, green initiatives, or some other term, the goal is the integration of sustainable and environmentally friendly practices to reduce the ecological footprint and reduce waste while promoting effective wound healing. 

Our industry focus to achieve that goal is on alternative wound care practices, sustainable products, better disposal, and reduced reliance on paper. This shift reflects a broader commitment in healthcare, where environmental responsibility is becoming a key consideration in treatment choices. 

Why it Matters 

The healthcare industry in the United States generates approximately 5.9 million tons of medical waste annually. While the specific waste contribution from the wound care sector isn’t explicitly reported by the industry yet, anyone who has worked in the profession knows it’s significant.  

Consider the daily disposal of gauze, bandages, gloves, and other dressing materials at medical facilities. Adopting sustainable practices helps reduce this waste and lowers the environmental footprint of healthcare practices. 

The healthcare industry has taken notice. Practice Greenhealth, a network organization dedicated to sustainable healthcare, reports that 60% of hospitals have made formal commitments to climate action. For example, this commitment is driving the adoption of biodegradable dressings like hydrocolloids and hydrofibers as well as recyclable packaging materials to minimize medical waste. There’s also growing interest in using historically proven natural and renewable resources like honey and aloe vera, which encourage healing while supporting environmental sustainability. 

Prepare for The Future 

As sustainability initiatives continue, the integration of green practices will grow. This helps healthcare providers meet regulatory requirements and appeals to environmentally conscious patients while providing quality care and outcomes. Steps to consider to join the movement include: 

• Analyze your Waste Management Processes and Practices. For example, do you waste gauze or bandages by not accurately measuring the wound first?
• Implement Evidence-Based Care. Use clinically supported treatments to improve wound management, reduce waste, and enhance patient outcomes.
• Choose Sustainable Products. Select biodegradable and renewable materials like hydrofiber dressings and honey-based options when clinically appropriate.
• Enhance Staff Training. Offer training and ongoing support for sustainable practices to empower staff.

Connection to Net Health 

Digital wound care technology has a leading role to play in the evolution of eco-healing. Leveraging digital tools enhances the efficiency and effectiveness of wound care management while adhering to sustainable practices. Digital documentation and assessment tools create efficiencies in wound measurement, so the right-size product is used the first time. Plus, they reduce the need for paper-based records, further cutting down on waste. 

Moreover, advanced wound care technologies enable precise application and monitoring of biodegradable dressings and natural products, ensuring optimal healing conditions and minimizing resource wastage. Telemedicine and remote monitoring also play a part, as they reduce the need for frequent in-person visits, thereby lowering the overall carbon footprint associated with transportation and resource use in healthcare.  

A study out of Australia showed that the use of Net Health® Tissue Analytics, one of the leading AI-powered digital wound care platforms in the markets, helped reduce travel time and CO2 emissions for study participants. Rural wound care patients were able to see providers remotely instead of traveling – often far distances – to see their providers. 

By working together, these teams can create personalized treatment plans that optimize healing and improve patient outcomes. 

In a collaborative care model, communication and coordination are key. Each team member contributes their expertise, whether it’s a surgeon managing wound debridement for a patient with chronic venous leg ulcers, a nurse managing daily wound care, or a physical therapist aiding in mobility and rehabilitation. 

Why it Matters 

The collaborative, team approach to wound care is crucial for several reasons. First, it enhances the quality of care by ensuring that all healthcare providers are on the same page, reducing the risk of errors and omissions. Patients benefit from a well-rounded treatment plan that addresses not only the wound itself but also the underlying conditions and overall health. For example, patients who are experiencing stress-induced delays in wound healing might benefit from a mental health consultation. 

Secondly, teamwork improves patient outcomes. An article in WoundSource reported that multi-disciplinary teams could lower amputations in patients with diabetic foot ulcers by 94%, reduce healing times, and lower recurrence rates, as well as reduce postoperative infection rates. 

Moreover, collaborative care fosters a supportive environment for both patients and providers. For patients, knowing that a team of experts is working together to manage their care can be reassuring and boost their confidence in the treatment plan. For healthcare providers, collaboration reduces the burden on individual practitioners, ensures that factors that contribute or hinder wound healing are addressed, and promotes a more balanced workload, which can help prevent burnout. 

Prepare for the Future 

As healthcare continues to evolve, the importance of collaborative care in wound management will only grow. To prepare for this future, healthcare providers must embrace continuous education and training. Staying up-to-date with the latest advancements in wound care and collaboration techniques is essential for delivering the best possible patient outcomes. 

Healthcare organizations should also foster a culture of teamwork and communication. Encouraging open dialogue and regular team meetings can enhance coordination and ensure that all team members are aligned in their treatment approach. Investing in team-building activities and professional development opportunities can further strengthen the collaborative spirit among healthcare providers. 

Another key aspect of preparing for the future is leveraging technology. As digital health tools and platforms become more sophisticated, they will play an increasingly vital role in facilitating collaborative care. 

Embracing collaborative care and leveraging advanced technologies like EHRs and digital wound assessment tools will position healthcare providers to deliver the best possible patient outcomes. Staying informed about the latest advancements, investing in continuous education, and fostering a culture of teamwork are essential steps toward achieving comprehensive and effective wound management. 

Connection to Net Health 

Here’s where specialty Electronic Health Records (EHRs) and digital wound technologies like Net Health® Wound Care and Tissue Analytics play a vital role. When specialty EHRs seamlessly integrate with the primary EHR, it ensures that all team members have access to up-to-date medical records, treatment plans, and progress notes. This transparency is essential for effective communication and coordination among healthcare providers. 

Digital wound technologies and assessment apps enable more accurate wound measurement, documentation, and reporting. They allow providers to track progress in real-time and make timely adjustments to treatment plans. Digital wound technologies can also facilitate virtual consultations, connecting local wound care providers with specialists. By integrating EHRs and digital wound technologies into their practice, healthcare providers can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of collaborative care. These tools improve communication and coordination as well as help to better engage patients in their care.