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Telehealth Utilization Increase 7,000% During Pandemic

Written by Steve Smith | May 10, 2022 3:53:17 PM

1.5 minute read

A report by FAIR Health finds that telehealth usage grew by more than 7,000% during the first year of the pandemic. In 2020, utilization of traditional health care services dropped, while new models (telehealth) increased dramatically.

Telehealth utilization increased 41,919% from 2015-2020 and national growth was 7,060% from 2019-2020. Use of other places for health care services likely decreased due to pandemic-related restrictions on elective services and many people not seeking in-person care due to the risk of contacting COVID-19.

Mental health services were also a driving force for the increased use of telehealth in the United States. Mental health conditions made up 44% of all claims.

The pandemic has changed health care delivery in the United States and will likely have a long-term effect on how health care services are offered, priced, and utilized.

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This blog is intended to be a compilation of information and resources pulled from federal, state, and local agencies. This is not intended to be legal advice. For up to the minute information and guidance on COVID-19, please follow the guidelines of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and your local health organizations.