Telemedicine use soared during the COVID-19 pandemic, but new research from UCLA shows that it hasn’t significantly changed visits or healthcare spending across various payer types. This finding can calm worries among lawmakers fearing that greater telemedicine use might lead to skyrocketing costs.
When the pandemic hit, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) loosened rules around telemedicine. They allowed payment for virtual visits equal to in-person ones, removed geographic restrictions, and waived some costs. Although these adjustments are temporary and set to expire in 2027, the discussions around making them permanent continue.
Many expected telemedicine to bridge gaps in access to healthcare, but some experts, like Dr. John N. Mafi from UCLA, pointed out that the reality has been quite different. “Our findings suggest neither prediction came true on a national scale,” Dr. Mafi said. As telemedicine expanded, the trends in visits and spending among heavy users mirrored those of lighter users. While this is reassuring for those concerned about costs, it’s sobering for those hoping for more access to care.
In previous studies, researchers warned that telemedicine could worsen health disparities. For instance, during the initial COVID-19 outbreak, outpatient service usage dropped sharply, only to rebound and then decline again during a second wave. This fluctuation prompted further investigation into the impact of telemedicine across different population groups.
To better understand the effects of telemedicine, the UCLA team analyzed claims data from over 3 million U.S. adults enrolled in various insurance types from January 2019 to December 2023. Their findings revealed a slight drop in telemedicine visits—2.4%—and a minor decrease in spending—0.5%. However, these changes were not statistically significant, suggesting they could have occurred by chance.
Across various demographics, results were equally mixed. Urban populations showed a 4.4% decrease in visits, while rural areas experienced a 3.4% increase. None of these variations were significant enough to indicate real trends. Senior author Dr. Katherine Kahn emphasized that these findings offer an early glimpse into a developing landscape. As telemedicine continues to evolve, further research is essential to understand its long-term effects on care quality and health outcomes.
As telemedicine remains in flux, it’s crucial for policymakers to monitor its progression closely. This ongoing observation will help comprehend its impact on diverse populations and whether it truly enhances access to healthcare in the long run.
For more details on telemedicine and its implications, you can check out the full study here.
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health policy, medicine, UCLA Health
