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COVID drives telehealth, but future uncertain

Image courtesy of Frank Mayer and Associates Inc.

November 22, 2021

While telehealth visits expanded during the pandemic, some states are curbing access as health care providers lobby for expansion, according to a report in The Wall Street Journal.

The Biden administration has committed more than $19 million to increase telemedicine services in underserved areas. Advocates, meanwhile want all states to increase licensing flexibilities during the pandemic.

Telehealth activity jumped 154% the last week of March 2020 over the prior year, while a McKinsey & Co. report in July 2021 indicated demand continued to increase.

Some licensing boards oppose extending the services due to a possible increase in telehealth related fraud.

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