Summary
Recent research highlights a significant disparity in telehealth usage between rural and non-rural populations, particularly in the management of chronic conditions. While telehealth saw a surge during the COVID-19 pandemic, the uptake remains lower in rural areas, with only 4.6% of visits conducted via telehealth compared to 7.5% in non-rural regions. This gap persists despite telehealth being viewed as a potential solution to healthcare access issues in rural communities, which often face provider shortages and transportation challenges.
The study, which analyzed data from 11.5 million members across 15 chronic conditions, indicates that while telehealth is integrated into chronic care, its adoption is uneven. Notably, conditions like obstructive sleep apnea show higher telehealth engagement, particularly among non-rural populations, due to the nature of follow-up care that does not always require physical examinations. The research suggests that barriers still exist in rural areas, limiting the effectiveness of telehealth as a universal solution.
Recommendations from the report emphasize the need for broader investments in digital infrastructure to enhance telehealth access, particularly in rural communities. This includes improving high-speed internet access, providing devices, and offering support for digital literacy. Healthcare leaders are urged to tailor telehealth strategies to specific populations and conditions, as uniform approaches may not yield the desired outcomes. Overall, the findings call for a nuanced understanding of telehealth utilization to improve access and care quality across diverse patient demographics.
Show Notes
In this episode, Sarah Adkins, director of public policy with the Elevance Health Public Policy Institute, discusses research showing lower telehealth utilization among rural populations and the barriers driving the gap. She shares strategies for payers and healthcare leaders to expand digital infrastructure, tailor telehealth programs and improve access for underserved members.
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