Telehealth

Telehealth is vital in increasing access to healthcare. Healthcare providers can use audiovisual, audio-only or asynchronous telehealth tools to facilitate virtual visits, improving patient experience and, in some cases, reducing healthcare costs. But hurdles like the digital divide and racial disparities, which can widen existing health inequities, must be tackled.

Top Stories

News 18 Jul 2024
Health information exchange barriers hamper telehealth adoption

US hospitals cited numerous IT challenges, including interoperability issues, that are curbing telehealth’s full potential in care delivery, new research shows. Continue Reading
News 17 Jul 2024
Telehealth referrals boost OUD treatment initiation, retention

Compared to referrals originating during in-person ED visits, telehealth-based referrals were more effective in facilitating OUD treatment initiation and retention. Continue Reading

News 08 Nov 2022

Willingness to Engage in Video Visits Spikes, Especially Among Black Americans

The willingness to use video-based telehealth grew during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the largest increases occurring among Black Americans and Americans with less education, a new survey shows. Continue Reading
News 07 Nov 2022

National Telehealth Use Appears to be Stabilizing

According to new data, national telehealth use increased by 1.9 percent between July and August, remaining relatively stable compared to fluctuations in usage seen over the course of the pandemic. Continue Reading
News 04 Nov 2022

New Partnership to Launch a School-Based Telehealth Program

Through a newly formed collaboration, OU Health and Oklahoma City Public Schools will launch a school-based telehealth program. Continue Reading
News 04 Nov 2022

Telehealth Patient Satisfaction On Par with In-Person Care During Pandemic

New research shows that patient satisfaction with telehealth did not fall beneath the satisfaction levels associated with in-person care among a diverse population during the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
News 03 Nov 2022

Virtual Physical Therapy Use, Satisfaction Lower Than In-Person

New research shows that virtual physical therapy patients from a single rehabilitation center were 14.1 percent less likely to recommend visits compared to in-person patients. Continue Reading
News 02 Nov 2022

Most Americans Find Virtual Primary Care Effective, Appealing

New survey results show that 79 percent of Americans who engaged in virtual primary care stated that it allowed them to take charge of their health. Continue Reading
News 31 Oct 2022

In-Person Exam Has Little Impact on Virtual Urological Surgery Planning

New research showed that most surgical plans developed through video visits for urology patients did not change following a physical, in-person examination. Continue Reading
News 31 Oct 2022

Patients Prefer Telehealth for Primary Care, Mental Health Needs

A recent report shows that amid a return to in-person care, telehealth use has dropped among some populations, but it is still a popular modality for accessing primary and mental healthcare. Continue Reading
News 28 Oct 2022

New Partnership Aims to Expand Reach of Virtual Health Services

Sound Long-Term Care Management, an ACO, is working with PointClickCare Technologies to provide participating long-term care facilities with virtual health services. Continue Reading
News 28 Oct 2022

Mayo Clinic, Memora Health Launch Virtual Postpartum Care Research Program

Memora Health is working alongside Mayo Clinic to enhance virtual postpartum care through a virtual care program that includes artificial intelligence-backed messaging. Continue Reading
News 27 Oct 2022

50% of Veterans with OUD Used Audio-Only Telehealth to Access Medication

Most veterans with opioid use disorder used telehealth to access treatment, with half engaging in phone-only visits, highlighting the importance of access to audio-only services, new research shows. Continue Reading
News 27 Oct 2022

ED Return Visit, Hospitalization More Likely After Telehealth Follow-up

Follow-ups conducted via telehealth after an ED visit may result in increased healthcare utilization, including a return visit to the ED, as compared with in-person follow-ups, new research shows. Continue Reading
News 26 Oct 2022

Virtual Care On Par with In-Clinic Treatment of High Blood Pressure

New research shows that telehealth can be used to monitor and manage high blood pressure as effectively as clinic-based care methods. Continue Reading
News 26 Oct 2022

OIG Recommends Home Health Agencies Evaluate Telehealth Activity

In a new report, HHS' Office of Inspector General described the need for home health agencies to review telehealth trends as its use continues to expand. Continue Reading
News 25 Oct 2022

Two Providers Join Forces to Launch Virtual, In-Home Care Company

MUSC Health and the MetroHealth System have partnered to create a comprehensive care company to deliver virtual and in-home care. Continue Reading
News 24 Oct 2022

Virtual Health Integration Linked to Improving Healthcare Delivery

Virtual health integration with in-person care is a critical step in improving patient outcomes and care delivery for employees and their families, according to a new report. Continue Reading
News 24 Oct 2022

Broadband Availability Linked to Video-Based Telehealth Use Among Veterans

New research shows that the extent to which patients from the Veterans Health Administration used video-based telehealth increased with access to adequate broadband internet. Continue Reading
News 21 Oct 2022

34 States, DC Offer Some Reimbursement for Audio-Only Telehealth

A new report on state-level telehealth policies shows that 34 states and D.C. pay for audio-only telephone through their Medicaid programs, but with certain limitations. Continue Reading
News 21 Oct 2022

New Virtual Program Aims to Expand Access to Cardiac Rehabilitation

Tampa General's heart institute and Recora are working together to expand access to cardiac rehabilitation through a new virtual recovery program. Continue Reading
News 20 Oct 2022

Telehealth Visit Volumes Drop 37% Since Peak Usage During Pandemic

New data shows that while telehealth visits have declined since the second quarter of 2020, behavioral health patients continue to flock to telehealth, making it a key area for provider investment. Continue Reading
News 20 Oct 2022

IN Health System Adds Virtual Care Initiatives to Expand Offerings

Parkview Health aims to expand access to clinical support through new virtual care initiatives provided from one centralized location. Continue Reading
News 19 Oct 2022

Ochsner Digital Health Pilot Improves Diabetes, Hypertension Outcomes

A digital health pilot conducted by Ochsner Health helped about 50 percent of hypertensive patients and almost 60 percent of type 2 diabetes patients reach their outcomes goals. Continue Reading
News 19 Oct 2022

MN Provider Spins Out Hospital-At-Home Development Company

Allina Health and Flare Capital Partners have spun out a company that aims to help providers and payers create and launch hospital-at-home programs. Continue Reading
News 18 Oct 2022

Telehealth Reduces No-Show Rates, Improves Access Among Surgical Patients

New research shows that telehealth services successfully connected surgical patients to care and reduced the odds of a no-show among two-thirds of patients. Continue Reading
News 17 Oct 2022

Physicians Approve of Using Telehealth to Treat Opioid Use Disorder

New research shows that a high percentage of registered physicians found telehealth a favorable method for treating opioid use disorder patients. Continue Reading
News 17 Oct 2022

NYU Cancer Center Adds Virtual Supportive Care Program

The NYU Langone Health Perlmutter Cancer Center at Sunset Park has created a virtual supportive care program for lung cancer patients. Continue Reading
News 14 Oct 2022

Telehealth Use Remained Popular Among US Adults in 2021

New data from the CDC shows that 37 percent of adults, and more specifically, 42 percent of women continued to use telehealth in 2021. Continue Reading
News 14 Oct 2022

Partnership to Add Virtual Primary Care Feature to Smart TVs

Telehealth provider HealthTap has partnered with Samsung to add a virtual healthcare feature to the tech giant's Smart TVs to expand access to primary care. Continue Reading
Answer 13 Oct 2022

Using Telehealth to Boost Abortion Access in a Post-Roe World

Reproductive health providers are leveraging telehealth to expand access to medication abortions, but several challenges stand in the way of widespread access, including the digital divide. Continue Reading
News 13 Oct 2022

Group Recommends Policy Changes for Future Telehealth Optimization

The Bipartisan Policy Center detailed trends in telehealth use and recommended policies to support future telehealth optimization, such as removing excessive in-person visit requirements for behavioral healthcare. Continue Reading
News 12 Oct 2022

Penn Medicine Virtual Care Program Improves Access to Fertility Treatment

The Pennsylvania-based health system created a virtual care program that promotes access to fertility care at a faster rate, cutting the wait time for treatment in half, research shows. Continue Reading
News 12 Oct 2022

Telehealth-Enabled Observation Effective for At-Home Methadone Dosing

New research shows that video observation positively impacted rates of observed at-home methadone dosing, enhancing patient safety and reducing infection risks. Continue Reading
News 11 Oct 2022

New Partnership to Develop Comprehensive Care-at-Home Services Program

The University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Amedisys, and Contessa are partnering to create a comprehensive care-at-home suite that includes various services. Continue Reading
News 11 Oct 2022

Stanford Finds Virtual Care Quality On Par With Standard Care in ED

Stanford Health Care found that the Virtual Visit Track in its ED, which involves a remote physician consulting with low-acuity patients, is an effective alternative to in-person consultations. Continue Reading
News 10 Oct 2022

Older Adults Satisfied with Telehealth During COVID-19 Pandemic

New research showed that adults 65 and older were relatively satisfied with telehealth throughout the COVID-19 pandemic and desired continued access to virtual care. Continue Reading
News 07 Oct 2022

Endocrine Society Provides Guidance for Appropriate Use of Telehealth

The Endocrine Society published a policy perspective covering various factors, such as clinical and patient factors, which could help determine subjective care needs and whether telehealth use is appropriate. Continue Reading
News 07 Oct 2022

Researchers Win NIH Grant to Treat Opioid Overuse Through Telehealth

Researchers from New York and Connecticut aim to implement an opioid use disorder intervention that leverages telehealth following a $1.1 million federal grant. Continue Reading
Feature 06 Oct 2022

Why Telehealth Has Become an Integral Part of the Mental Healthcare Landscape

During a virtual panel, experts discussed the benefits of telemental care, which include expanding care access and closing health equity gaps, and noted key trends that may influence its future use. Continue Reading
News 06 Oct 2022

SD Health System Aims to Improve Maternal Care Outcomes Through Telehealth

Avera Health plans to use a $4 million federal grant to improve maternal care outcomes through enhanced virtual access to obstetrics services and remote patient monitoring. Continue Reading
News 04 Oct 2022

Telehealth Utilization Rose 1.9% Nationally in July

Telehealth usage jumped slightly in July relative to June, making up 5.3 percent of medical claim lines nationally, new data shows. Continue Reading
News 04 Oct 2022

Michigan Establishes 13 Test to Treat Sites With Telehealth Options

The sites will enable people who test positive for COVID-19 to remain at the place they were tested, virtually consult with physicians, and receive a prescription for antiviral treatment if needed. Continue Reading
News 03 Oct 2022

Project Increases Telehealth Access Among Veterans Facing Homelessness

Researchers expanded telehealth access for homeless veterans by 5.5 percent in 16 weeks through a quality improvement project. Continue Reading
News 03 Oct 2022

Telehealth Provider, Research Institute to Study COVID-19 Rebound

On-demand telehealth provider eMed and Scripps Research Translational Institute are launching an at-home study to examine patient responses to COVID-19 treatment. Continue Reading
News 30 Sep 2022

Healthcare Provider to Expand Telehealth Research Collab With $2M Grant

MedStar Health will use the large grant to expand its telehealth research collaboration with Stanford Medicine and Intermountain Healthcare, focused on gathering data on access, safety, and equity. Continue Reading
News 30 Sep 2022

Patients Indicate High Levels of Satisfaction Following Telehealth Use

New research shows that 57 to 80 percent of patients prefer telehealth when obtaining care, revealing high levels of satisfaction with the care modality. Continue Reading
Feature 29 Sep 2022

How Virtual Care Uptake Can Support Seniors Aging in Place

The concept of aging in place is growing popular as more seniors live longer and more active lives, but virtual care technology is needed to help make the concept a reality. Continue Reading
News 29 Sep 2022

Telehealth Care Quality Better Than In-Person For Some Measures

New research shows that telehealth can enhance healthcare quality, with telehealth patients experiencing a similar or better performance in some quality measures than patients receiving in-person care. Continue Reading
News 28 Sep 2022

Chronic Care Patients 88% More Likely to Use Telehealth Than Their Peers

New research shows that telehealth use continues to impact healthcare delivery positively and remains popular among patients, especially chronic care, female, and mental health patients. Continue Reading
News 27 Sep 2022

Memorial Sloan Kettering Launches Telemedicine Platform for Cancer Care

A new telemedicine platform, created by Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in collaboration with Microsoft, Accenture, and Avanade, aims to improve cancer care quality and patient experience. Continue Reading
News 27 Sep 2022

Digital Health, Telehealth Technology Can Enhance Hearing Care Access

New research shows that digital health and telehealth technology can improve hearing care access by enabling audiology assessments to be conducted remotely. Continue Reading
News 26 Sep 2022

MUSC Receives $1.5M Grant to Advance Telehealth Training in Rural Areas

The health system will use the federal grant to create educational and training opportunities for students to support telehealth expansion and workforce development in rural communities. Continue Reading
News 23 Sep 2022

New Research Affirms Telehealth's Efficacy, Role in Expanding Mental Healthcare

Researchers dismissed common concerns about telehealth and described how virtual care helped improve behavioral health access at nursing homes in two papers published in NEJM Catalyst. Continue Reading
News 22 Sep 2022

Blue Cross NC to Expand Telehealth Coverage Following Spike in Use

After observing a massive jump in telehealth claims since March 2020, the payer decided to expand telehealth coverage for fully insured and administrative services-only plan members. Continue Reading
News 22 Sep 2022

Out-of-State Telehealth Aided Rural Residents Amid the Pandemic

New research shows that several Medicare beneficiaries benefited from expanding out-of-state telehealth services, including rural residents and cancer survivors. Continue Reading
News 21 Sep 2022

Amazon Care Veterans Create Virtual Care Service For Latino Community

Founded by former Amazon Care employees, Zócalo Health aims to provide culturally tailored virtual primary care to Latino patients while improving care coordination and healthcare access. Continue Reading
Answer 21 Sep 2022

Ensuring Care Continuity Through an EHR-Integrated Telehealth Platform

To enhance continuity of care and patient access, a Michigan-based health system deployed an Epic-integrated virtual care platform, overcoming hurdles such as complications with contracting. Continue Reading
News 20 Sep 2022

Intermountain Healthcare Launches Pediatric Telehealth Services

Intermountain Healthcare is making efforts to expand communication and patient access through pediatric telehealth services while maintaining care quality. Continue Reading
News 20 Sep 2022

Telehealth Widely Used by Patients With Pediatric Neurology Conditions

New research shows that telehealth was widely used by pediatric neurology patients even after in-person care restrictions were lifted, particularly among those with epilepsy and ADHD. Continue Reading
News 19 Sep 2022

Viewpoint: Telehealth Disparities Exist Among Visually Impaired Populations

An article in Health Affairs shows that visually impaired patients often experience telehealth disparities due to difficulties with accessibility and navigation and shares recommendations to alleviate these issues. Continue Reading
News 19 Sep 2022

Texas Provider Aims to Improve Patient Access with At-Home Care Program

Texas Health Resources has created an acute care at-home program in an effort to improve patient access and quality of care. Continue Reading
News 16 Sep 2022

Report: Telehealth Company's Prescribing Practices Come Under DEA Scrutiny

According to a report in The Wall Street Journal, the DEA is investigating virtual ADHD treatment provider Done regarding its prescribing of controlled substances. Continue Reading
News 15 Sep 2022

Physician Uptake of Telehealth, RPM Higher Than Other Digital Health Tools

Remote care tools have seen the largest increase in physician adoption since 2016, with more physicians noting their importance as digital health adoption rises, a new survey shows. Continue Reading
News 15 Sep 2022

Limited Resources Led to Lower Telehealth Engagement Among Rural Residents

New research shows a difference of 25.1 percentage points in the increase in telehealth engagement among rural and urban residents during the pandemic, indicating the need for additional resources. Continue Reading
News 14 Sep 2022

375 Healthcare Organizations Urge Senate to Ensure Expanded Telehealth Access

A letter, co-led by the American Telehealth Association and signed by 375 healthcare stakeholders, requests that the US Senate approve a two-year extension to allow for expanded telehealth access. Continue Reading
News 13 Sep 2022

Telehealth Use More Frequent Among Urban, Hispanic Medicare Beneficiaries

New federal research shows that Hispanic and urban Medicare beneficiaries were more likely to use telehealth during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
News 13 Sep 2022

National Telehealth Use Drops Almost 4% in June

According to new data, June saw a 3.7 percent decline in national telehealth use, dropping from 5.4 percent of medical claim lines in May to 5.2 percent. Continue Reading
News 12 Sep 2022

Rural Hospital Association Expands Access to Telehealth Resources

The National Rural Health Association has partnered with Equum Medical to provide underserved rural communities with various telehealth resources, including virtual observation assistance. Continue Reading
News 12 Sep 2022

Telehealth Supports Access to Medication Abortion Services

New research shows that telehealth can help women access secure medical abortion services through text messaging tools and at-home medications. Continue Reading
News 09 Sep 2022

Patient Safety Campaign Aims to Enhance Telehealth Education

The Joint Commission has launched a patient safety campaign to advance telehealth education and provider communication. Continue Reading
News 08 Sep 2022

Telehealth Billing Poses Relatively Small Risk to Medicare Program

A new federal report shows that the risk related to high billing for telehealth services provided to Medicare beneficiaries is relatively low. Continue Reading
News 08 Sep 2022

Partnership Aims to Study Virtual Treatment for Adolescent Depression

Children’s Hospital Los Angeles has partnered with Limbix to determine the effectiveness of a new virtual treatment method for treating adolescent depression. Continue Reading
News 07 Sep 2022

Clinical Diagnoses Similar During Telehealth, In-Person Visits

New research shows that diagnoses provided during a video-based telehealth visit matched the in-person reference standard diagnoses in 86.9 percent of cases. Continue Reading
News 07 Sep 2022

Adverse Event Rate Similar for Remote, In-Home Physician Visits

New research shows a small difference in the number of adverse events among patients receiving in-home physician visits and those receiving remote care. Continue Reading
News 06 Sep 2022

FTC Probes Amazon's Purchase of Virtual, In-Person Care Provider One Medical

The agency has requested additional information from both companies as part of its review of the proposed acquisition that would give Amazon 188 health clinics along with virtual care options. Continue Reading
News 06 Sep 2022

Washington Health System Licenses Virtual Care Technology For Urgent Care

MultiCare Health System has licensed new virtual care technology that will be added to its hybrid ambulatory care platform Indigo Health, which offers urgent care services. Continue Reading
Feature 02 Sep 2022

Expanding Telehealth Key to Care Access, But Tech Infrastructure Needs Upgrade

According to Sen. John Thune, ensuring access to telehealth is critical, especially to combat the mental health epidemic, but several infrastructure upgrades are needed to support adoption and use. Continue Reading
News 01 Sep 2022

Home-Based Cardiac Rehabilitation Leads to Positive Patient Outcomes

New research shows that home-based cardiac rehabilitation resulted in positive patient outcomes, such as lower hospitalization rates among cardiovascular disease patients. Continue Reading
News 01 Sep 2022

Telehealth Expansion Linked to Drop in Opioid Overdose Risk During Pandemic

A new study has linked expanded telehealth use during the COVID-19 pandemic with a decline in the likelihood of overdoses among Medicare patients with opioid use disorder. Continue Reading
News 31 Aug 2022

NY Payer Partners With 4 Virtual Behavioral Health Providers

New York-based Empire BlueCross BlueShield is providing its members access to four companies that offer virtual care options for behavioral health issues, including OCD and OUD. Continue Reading
News 30 Aug 2022

Louisiana Hospital Extends Access to Virtual Pediatric Radiology

Children’s Hospital of New Orleans is working with 16 Cleveland Clinic providers to expand the availability of virtual pediatric radiology services. Continue Reading
News 29 Aug 2022

Payer Partnership Aims to Increase Virtual Opioid Use Disorder Resources

Bicycle Health and Evernorth are collaborating to provide enhanced access to treatment for opioid use disorder through a network of virtual resources. Continue Reading
News 29 Aug 2022

South Carolina Health System Implements Virtual Medical Exam Kit

Prisma Health patients will gain virtual care options following the addition of a remote medical examination kit across its 18 hospitals. Continue Reading
News 26 Aug 2022

LGBTQIA+-Focused Telehealth Provider Offers Virtual Monkeypox Resources

FOLX Health is expanding virtual care for Monkeypox by offering various new resources, including counseling and referrals, to the LGBTQIA+ community it serves. Continue Reading
News 25 Aug 2022

Telehealth Use Remains High Among Rural, Older Medicaid Members in Florida

Not only did rural Florida Medicaid members and those above 65 use telehealth at high rates, but use rates were also higher among those who spoke Spanish, a new report shows. Continue Reading
News 25 Aug 2022

Rural Healthcare System Launches New Virtual Care Center

Sanford Health has created a virtual care center to limit access issues and enhance rural healthcare through various telehealth-enabled resources and services. Continue Reading
News 24 Aug 2022

Amazon to Shutter Telehealth Business Amid Plans to Buy One Medical

Amazon will shut down its telehealth business by Dec. 31 after leaders determined it wasn't a "complete enough" solution for the enterprise customers it was targeting, an internal memo states. Continue Reading
News 24 Aug 2022

NIH to Fund Creation of Telehealth Research Centers for Cancer Care

NYU medical school and the University of Pennsylvania are among four entities receiving $23 million in NIH funding to set up telehealth research centers focused on cancer care. Continue Reading
News 22 Aug 2022

Telehealth Strategy Tracks Health Risk Behaviors Among Cancer Patients

A Northwestern telehealth strategy aims to monitor three health risk behaviors during cancer treatment. Continue Reading
News 22 Aug 2022

NCI Provides Funding to Enhance the Virtual Delivery of Cancer Care

Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center received a grant from the NCI to assist in the virtual delivery of cancer care through a telehealth research center. Continue Reading
News 19 Aug 2022

New Virtual Resources Aim to Promote Telehealth, Enhance Access

A new medical device seeks to promote telehealth through advanced patient assessments and accurate remote diagnoses. Continue Reading
News 19 Aug 2022

MUSC Health Partnership Promotes Access to Telehealth Services

Hicuity Health worked with MUSC Health to create a system that provides constant access to telehealth services. Continue Reading
News 18 Aug 2022

Continuous Telehealth Guidance is Needed to Transform Healthcare

A recent report stated that continuous telehealth guidance and policy changes are necessary to promote and improve the future of healthcare. Continue Reading
News 17 Aug 2022

Audio-Only Telehealth Effective in Treating Underserved Patients

A recent study found a mere 6.5 percent difference in satisfaction rate between audio-only and video-based telehealth in treating older and underserved patients. Continue Reading
Answer 17 Aug 2022

Amazon Poised to Disrupt Virtual Care For a Niche Few

Amazon has proven itself a healthcare contender, and it appears likely to disrupt virtual care, but its moves so far may only end up benefitting an urban, commercially insured consumer niche. Continue Reading
News 16 Aug 2022

Michigan Payer Offers Members Access to Virtual Maternity Care Program

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has partnered with Maven Clinic to provide access to virtual maternity care resources to improve clinical outcomes. Continue Reading
News 15 Aug 2022

Teladoc Adds At-Home A1C Testing to Enhance Diabetes Care Management

Teladoc Health has added an at-home A1C testing resource to provide easy access to care for diabetes patients and improve outcomes. Continue Reading
News 15 Aug 2022

Telehealth Supported Medication Abortion Services During Pandemic

Telehealth-enabled care models created new options for medication abortion services for those who lacked access during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, new research shows. Continue Reading
News 11 Aug 2022

Minority, Rural Urology Patients More Likely to Use Audio-Only Telehealth

Nearly half of patients needing urology care used audio-only telehealth, with Black, Native, rural, and Medicaid patients more likely to opt for phone-based care versus video, new research shows. Continue Reading
News 10 Aug 2022

Telehealth Use Linked to More After-Hours Work for Providers

New research shows that telehealth use may result in providers completing more EHR-based work after hours, potentially driving up symptoms of burnout. Continue Reading
News 10 Aug 2022

Telehealth Use Shot Up 10.2% Nationally in May

Telehealth utilization increased by 10.2 percent in May, occupying 5.4 percent of all medical claim lines, according to new data. Continue Reading