Digital Minute: October 2026

By Walter Reiling, MD, system chief medical information officer, Premier Health, and Mandy Via, system director of access, referral management and telehealth, Premier Health

Telehealth Awareness Week: Connecting Patients to Care

Sept. 21-25 marked the sixth annual Telehealth Awareness Week, highlighting how virtual care has become a trusted part of everyday healthcare.

Telehealth is more than a video visit. It connects patients with the right care at the right time, regardless of location. Services such as virtual urgent care, specialty consultations, remote patient monitoring and hospital-based virtual care extend the reach of care teams and reduce barriers to treatment.

In 2025, Premier Health provided more than 199,000 telehealth encounters across the continuum of care.

For patients, telehealth can reduce travel, minimize time away from work and family, and improve access to specialized services. For physicians and caregivers, it creates opportunities for collaboration, patient engagement and ongoing support.

Technology enables digital connection. The real impact comes from how we use it to improve access, strengthen patient relationships and deliver high-quality care.

Cybersecurity Awareness Month: Protecting Patient Care

Cybersecurity may not seem like patient safety, but it directly affects our ability to care for patients.

When clinicians hear the term "cybersecurity," many think of passwords, phishing emails and required training modules. It can feel like one more task competing for time and attention. However, the actions we take every day help protect our patients, colleagues and organization.

As healthcare becomes increasingly digital, cyber threats continue to grow. While technology offers significant benefits, it also creates new vulnerabilities. According to an American Medical Association survey, one in two physicians is very or extremely concerned about future cyberattacks.

Cybersecurity is a team effort. Think of our systems as a fortified building that protects patient information and access to care. The walls may be strong, but one open window can compromise the entire structure. Phishing emails remain one of the most common ways attackers gain access to organizations.

A 2021 ransomware attack at a university medical center demonstrates the potential impact. After an employee clicked a malicious link, email, phones and electronic health records became unavailable. Surgeries were canceled, chemotherapy treatments were delayed and clinicians relied on paper documentation for nearly a month.

You do not need to be a cybersecurity expert to make a difference. Every time you pause before clicking a link, report a suspicious email or follow security best practices, you help protect patient information and preserve access to care.

Cybersecurity is a shared responsibility. Your awareness and actions can help prevent disruptions, strengthen our defenses and support safe, reliable care for every patient. 

Back to the October 2026 Premier Pulse