Telehealth usage low due to reimbursement, training, licensing

Fifteen percent of primary care respondents to a survey on telehealth said they use telehealth in their practices.

The American Academy of Family Physicians, the Robert Graham Center and Anthem conducted the survey in January.

Telehealth users are more likely rural, younger, in practice for fewer than 10 years and were more likely to employ an EMR than non-users. Users are likely to provide a broad scope of services, like emergency or procedural care but the most common telehealth method cited was real-time video consultations.

Frequent purposes included: diagnosis, treatment, chronic disease management, obtaining a second opinion and providing follow-up care. 

The most common barriers to telehealth usage cited by respondents include the following:

• Concerns about proper reimbursement;
• Lack of training for both physicians and staff;
• Issues with technological platforms; and
• Licensing and credentialing.

Both users and non-users believe that telehealth has the potential to improve access to care, improve continuity and decrease travel time for patients. Respondents agreed that in-person care was best, but also recognized that services via telehealth is a good way to improve access to care for their patients.