Background -
Telehealth utilization spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic, facilitated by state and federal policy change through the COVID-19 public health emergency (PHE) declaration. Use has tapered off from the height of the pandemic, but telehealth is still used more widely than prepandemic and has become an integral component of care delivery, particularly for behavioral health. The PHE illuminated the benefits of telehealth in expanding access to care. For many, telehealth offers a convenient, high-quality, and accessible alternative to traditional care, especially for patients who have childcare or work obligations, live in communities that lack transportation options, or require accessible care due to disability. However, barriers remain that limit the potential of telehealth for patients, such as lack of affordable broadband service and digital literacy gaps, and for the providers that serve them, such as disparate payment rates and licensure challenges.
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