JMIR Publications

ABSTRACT

Importance Men’s health, particularly in the field of urology, is characterized by significant challenges due to delayed engagement in care, limited access to specialists, and rising healthcare costs. Men often avoid screenings and interventions until conditions become severe. This is compounded by 62% of U.S. counties lacking a practicing urologist with only one new urologist entering the field for every ten retiring. Historically underserved populations like African American or Latino men face disproportionate rates of prostate cancer, mortality, and accessibility barriers. These factors result in advanced-stage diagnoses and significant health inequities. This review explores the role of telehealth and integrated care as potential solutions to these pressing issues in men’s urological healthcare. Observations Telehealth and AI-enabled integrated care offers promising solutions to gaps in access, quality, and cost efficiency in urological care.These modern technologies enable virtual consultations, point-of-care diagnostics, remote monitoring, and continuous patient engagement, particularly in areas with a shortage of urologists. Integrated care models, which connect providers and services for comprehensive, patient-centered care, reduce hospital admissions, readmissions, and the need for advanced-stage interventions. These models have successfully lowered costs, improved patient satisfaction, and increased male engagement in healthcare, while the AI-enabled care model further enhances efficiency, improves outcomes and reduces provider burnout. Conclusions and Relevance Telehealth and integrated care models have the potential to transform men’s urological healthcare by making it more accessible, efficient, and equitable. These models present a viable pathway for addressing major gaps in care, though no large-scale integrated telehealth practices for urology currently exist. Digital health solutions enable healthcare providers to ensure timely diagnosis and improve outcomes for men. Telehealth models have provided equivalent or superior care to in-person models while significantly reducing logistical barriers and costs. Addressing these challenges through innovations in telehealth and integrated care is critical for improving men’s clinical outcomes in the future.