Telehealth Benefits and Barriers

Telehealth includes health care services provided using audio and video technology. Telehealth was originally developed to provide basic care to rural and underserved patients. Higher rates of use of telehealth are now standard in many practices since the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic. Increasing emphases on patient satisfaction, providing efficient and quality care, and minimizing costs have also led to higher telehealth implementation. Patients and providers have enjoyed the benefits of telehealth, but widespread adoption has been hindered by regulatory, legal, and reimbursement barriers. Recent legislative initiatives have advocated for further telehealth advancements, especially with the rapid implementation of telehealth in the times of coronavirus disease 2019. (c) 2020 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Automated summary

Telehealth utilizes audio and video technology to provide healthcare services, rapidly expanding during the pandemic. Emphasis on patient satisfaction, efficient quality care, and cost reduction, yet hindered by regulatory, legal, and reimbursement barriers.