The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated telehealth expansion trends as policy makers instituted flexibilities and coverage changes. Federal telehealth flexibilities expire, however, at the end of 2024. To decide whether to extend those flexibilities, policy makers need information about consumer telehealth preferences, impacts of telehealth on care usage and quality, and telehealth accessibility for the full diversity of patients.
Research from one of the nation’s largest integrated, value-based health systems provides insights. Findings suggest that telehealth utilization has dropped since the peak of the pandemic but remains higher than prepandemic levels. Telehealth appears to be replacing in-person visits rather than leading to more total visits. Patients generally prefer in-person care but many like having the option to use video- and phone-based telehealth, and both video- and phone-based care appear to be helping patients access primary care. An integrated, value-based care approach may assist a diverse range of patients in accessing telehealth services. Action is still needed, however, to ensure that the full diversity of patients can easily access telehealth offerings.