Better evidence.
Stronger policy.
CTeL turns research on digital health into practical insight for the people shaping care—across health systems, industry and government.
Academic studies. Policy analysis. A state-by-state perspective.
- Original researchQuestions that matter to care
- Academic findingsA closer look at the evidence
- Policy in practiceAnalysis you can put to work
- A 50-state viewContext beyond the federal level
Big questions.
Closer examination.
Explore CTeL research and selected academic studies on the cost, quality and delivery of virtual care.
Ranges across studied locations
February–September 2020 encounters
What does telehealth mean for healthcare costs?
An analysis of 1.4 million encounters examined direct and indirect costs. Cost reductions varied by location; one metropolitan area was an exception to the reported reductions.
Goldwater & Harris
Cost Impact of Telehealth: A National Analysis of COVID-19 Data · Telemedicine and e-Health
Modestly lower use in systems with higher telemedicine adoption.
2019–2022 Medicare data
Does virtual care change low-value testing?
Across 286 health systems, higher telemedicine adoption was associated with lower use of some low-value tests. Overall spending on low-value tests did not differ.
Ganguli and colleagues
Telemedicine Adoption and Low-Value Care Use and Spending · JAMA Internal Medicine
Payment parity & overdose rates · 2018–2022
A closer look at telehealth and drug diversion.
This report examines the relationship between telehealth payment parity and overdose rates in two pairs of states. Its findings inform the conversation about access and prescribing policy.
CTeL & Charm Economics
Impact of Telehealth on Drug Diversion · February 2025

From the evidence
to the policy table.
A study is a starting point. CTeL connects the findings to the decisions facing healthcare leaders and policymakers.
- ResearchExamine the questions behind digital health access, delivery and cost.
- TranslateMake complex findings easier to understand and apply in policy discussions.
- InformBring research into conversations with state and federal decision-makers.
Find your next point of reference.
Explore selected studies, state surveys and policy resources. Members can sign in for the research and tools included with their membership.
- Academic study · 2025
Cost Impact of Telehealth (opens in a new tab)
CTeL’s analysis of telehealth encounters and costs.
- Independent study · 2025
Telemedicine & Low-Value Care (opens in a new tab)
Use and spending among Medicare beneficiaries.
- CTeL report · February 2025
Impact of Telehealth on Drug Diversion (opens in a new tab)
Payment parity and overdose rates in four states.
- 50-state survey · April 2026
Medicaid Reimbursement Survey (opens in a new tab)
A state-by-state reference on Medicaid reimbursement for telehealth and digital health services.
- 50-state survey · December 2025
Audio-Only & Asynchronous Survey (opens in a new tab)
State-by-state research on telephone, audio-only, and asynchronous store-and-forward care.
- 50-state survey · January 2026
Controlled Substances Prescribing Survey (opens in a new tab)
Prescriptive authority for controlled and non-controlled substances, telemedicine, and internet prescribing.
- 52-jurisdiction survey · April 2026
Corporate Practice of Medicine Survey (opens in a new tab)
A jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction reference on corporate practice of medicine requirements.
- 50-state survey · April 2026
Network Adequacy Survey (opens in a new tab)
Network adequacy and telehealth across commercial, qualified health plan, and Medicaid managed care markets.
- 50-state survey · February 2026
Practitioner-Patient Relationship Survey (opens in a new tab)
Practitioner-patient relationships, prescribing, and regulatory requirements for telemedicine.
- Policy analysis
Policy Scoop
CTeL’s perspective on digital health policy developments.
- Policy reference
Fact Sheets & Resources (opens in a new tab)
Briefings, explainers and downloadable policy resources.
- Expert conversations
Research & Policy Webinars
Explore CTeL’s collection of recorded discussions.
Try a broader search or choose another resource type.
12 resources
Help shape what we
understand about digital health.
Support the research that brings evidence into the conversation about better access to care.


