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Building upon a report published in 2021 by the Centers for Telehealth and eHealth Law, this article presents an analysis of the six states with the highest telehealth encounters within the data set. The study revealed significant cost savings. Telehealth was associated with a reduction in costs ranging from $445,000 to $33 million for Medicare and $155,000–$181 million for Medicaid, except for one metropolitan area. Cost savings were based on the most frequent diagnoses: behavioral health, cancer, heart disease, pulmonary conditions, and endocrine disorders.
Conclusion: Telehealth can generate significant cost savings, particularly within the Medicaid program, by increasing access to health care services, especially for conditions directly impacted by provider shortages within geographic proximity to the patient.
Telemedicine Adoption and Low Value Care Use and Spending Among Fee-for-Service Medicare Beneficiaries
Telehealth has become an essential tool in addressing substance use disorders (SUDs), particularly opioid use disorder (OUD), by improving access to treatment, reducing stigma, and enhancing patient retention. The expansion of telehealth during the COVID-19 pandemic significantly increased access to evidence-based treatments, particularly in rural and underserved areas. Despite its benefits, concerns have emerged regarding potential drug diversion due to increased telehealth prescribing, particularly following the implementation of telehealth payment parity laws that mandate equal reimbursement for virtual and in-person care. This study addresses the impact telehealth has on drug diversion.
Conclusion: Contrary to concerns about telemedicine-facilitated drug diversion, our findings indicate that payment parity laws—which promote telehealth adoption—may contribute to reducing overdose rates. By enhancing access to OUD treatment, telemedicine appears to support recovery efforts and mitigate the opioid crisis. These results underscore the importance of policies that sustain and expand telehealth services for substance use treatment.
At CTeL, we conduct cutting-edge research, develop comprehensive educational resources, and inform policymakers and healthcare professionals about the benefits and challenges of digital health. Our mission is to shape a legal and policy landscape that empowers technology to enhance patient outcomes and improve the delivery of healthcare services. Through impartial, scholarly research and expert insights, we support the creation of forward-thinking policies that drive digital health innovation and elevate the well-being of individuals and communities.
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